Mentoring Alliance names new executive director

Lee Morgan Brown has been named executive director of the Sonoma Mentoring Alliance, succeeding founder Kathy Witkowicki, who will retire after 19 years at the helm of the organization that matched adult mentors with local students through the Stand by Me program.

“As a Sonoma resident, Lee already has deep roots in this community, as well as vast experience in creative fundraising,” said Witkowicki. “But what I admire most is that she is caring, kind-hearted and compassionate, all great traits to have when running a Mentoring Program!”

Morgan Brown will assume her duties as E.D. in mid-July. She and Witkowicki will work together for a period this summer to insure a smooth transition.

“Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance is an incredible combination of community spirit and people coming together to help raise Sonoma’s kids,” Morgan Brown said. “The next chapter of the Alliance will be an exciting one.”

Morgan Brown came to Sonoma from Dallas 10 years ago after early career experience in hotel management and wide-ranging work in geriatric care. Karen Rathman, search committee chairperson, said “Lee’s past successes have included program management, training and development, fundraising in diverse populations and team collaboration on philanthropic boards.”

She has been actively involved with Sonoma Charter School where she spearheaded a program to get all parents, students and staff involved in fundraising to help support the school’s programs. Her three sons attend the Sonoma Charter School.

“I have deep respect and gratitude for all of the hard work, energy and creativity Kathy has given to the organization that she has dynamically and lovingly led for so many years,” Morgan Brown said.

Currently there are over 450 Mentors involved in the program. The Mentoring Alliance has Mentor Centers on the eight public school campuses in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, and has matched more than 1,600 children with mentors over the past 19 years.