PEF Names Donyel Scruggs As Vice President Of Development

Public Education Foundation has selected Donyel Scruggs as the organization’s vice president for Development. Ms. Scruggs will lead the nonprofit’s fundraising and communications strategies, and develop and expand partnerships to strengthen PEF’s efforts to transform public education so students succeed in learning and in life.

“We are delighted to welcome Donyel to our staff,” said Dr. Dan Challener, president of PEF.  “Donyel's experience in development and her commitment to providing life-changing opportunities to young people convinced us that she is an ideal candidate to join PEF's team."  

According to PEF Board Chair Jim Hill, "Donyel has worked in development at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and Girls, Inc., serves on several local boards and generously volunteers her time for several more community projects.  As we got to know Donyel, her energy, experience and intelligence impressed us all."

"I've always been passionate about the importance of education," said Ms. Scruggs. "I'm excited to join PEF and help positively impact students and leaders in our great city."

Ms. Scruggs earned a B.A. in communication and a master of public administration from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  She serves on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, UTC Public Service Advisory and Young Professionals of Chattanooga. She is a 2017 Leadership Chattanooga graduate, a United Way of Chattanooga Emerging Leader and a member of the Chattanooga Women's Leadership Institute. She and her husband, Jeremy, live in Chattanooga with their son, Austin.