JA News

Moline, IL –  Junior Achievement of the Heartland has announced Christy Kunz as Vice President of Education for the organization.  Junior Achievement (JA) provides volunteer-delivered, K-12^th grade programs fostering financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills, and the use of experiential learning to inspire students to reach their full potential.

“We are excited to have Christy Kunz return to the Heartland,” stated Dougal Nelson, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of the Heartland.  “Not only does she bring a level of expertise from her leadership role at Junior Achievement USA, but she has deep roots in the communities we serve from her previous experience in our area.”

Christy began her Junior Achievement career in July 1990 for Junior Achievement of the Heartland.  She served in a variety of education related positions beginning with Elementary Program Manager and subsequently as Senior Vice President of Education.  In March 2003, Kunz was promoted to President of Junior Achievement of the Heartland.

After successfully leading the local operations Kunz joined Junior Achievement USA as Vice President of Operations in September 2007 and was later promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations. While at JA USA she worked with JA Area offices providing service and support that included strategic planning, program implementation, fundraising, staff transitions and staff management. Kunz also served as a resource for board development and consolidations. 

“As Vice President of Education, she will work with our Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement the organization’s long-term strategies around program growth, learning outcomes and financial stability.  In addition to her extensive experience, she brings enthusiasm and passion for JA’s mission,” shared Nelson.

“I am honored to be back at JA of the Heartland”, commented Christy Kunz.  “The timing was perfect to return to my home area and make a difference on a local level.  I’m looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues, as well as developing new partnerships to help further JA’s mission in our communities.”

Kunz graduated from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa with BA in Business Administration. In 2008, she presented the Athena Leadership Award in the Quad Cities. She and her husband, Gary, live in DeWitt, Iowa.  They have three children and seven grandchildren.
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