Former Air Force Chief of Staff to Visit Solano County in Community Engagement Tour
FAIRFIELD, CA - Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Leaven Kids Honorary Board Member, Gen. David L. Goldfein (Ret.), is scheduled to visit the communities of Fairfield and Vacaville, California, September 26, 2022, to meet with local civic leaders following his keynote remarks at the Leaven Kids Gala for the Kids event.
During his visit, Gen. Goldfein will learn about the community’s ongoing support for Leaven Kids and the impact that such youth development programs have on the region. Members of the community who will be meeting with Gen. Goldfein include the following:
Lisa Brasher; CEO, Jelly Belly Candy Company
Mayor Harry T. Price; City of Fairfield
Mitch Mashburn; Solano County Supervisor
Deanna Cantrell; Police Chief, City of Fairfield
Josh Tulino; General Manager, Valero Councilman
Lionel Largaespada; City of Benicia
Mayor Ron Rowlett; City of Vacaville
Thomas Ferrara; Sheriff, Solano County
Ian Schmutzler; Police Chief, City of Vacaville
Kris Conception; Fire Chief, City of Vacaville
Morne VanStanden; Owner, Journey Coffee
Josh Parker; Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Vacaville Commons
Chief Master Sergeant John Evalle (Ret.); Military Affairs Officer, Travis Credit Union
Gen. Goldfein retired from the United States Air Force in October 2020 after an impressive 37- year military career. As Chief of Staff, he was responsible for 685,000 men and women serving in the United States and abroad, managed an operating budget of over $168 billion, and ensured the readiness of US air and space power. Today, he serves as a senior advisor for Blackstone, a global investment firm, and as an Honorary Board Member for Leaven Kids.
In addition to meeting with civic leaders, Gen. Goldfein will also be visiting several Leaven Kids learning centers throughout Solano county, which provide desperately needed educational resources to children living in historically underserved communities.
“It’s exciting [...] to be going to the location where it all started, and be able to see the first center that Leaven Kids ever built,” said Gen. Goldfein. “Leaven Kids has proven to be an invaluable program for children in the toughest conditions. We’ll make a difference one child at a time.”
Gen. Goldfein is one of Leaven Kids’ newest Honorary Board Members, bringing his leadership and community-oriented mindset to the forefront as they look to broaden their footprint throughout California and into Texas.
“The tremendous amount of experience and undeniable passion that Gen. Goldfein brings to the table allows us to be more strategic when delivering educational services to children in- need,” said Mark Lillis, Chief Executive Officer for Leaven Kids. “He’ll be an important addition to our leadership team as we look to expand into San Antonio, Texas.”
Community relationships continue to serve as the backbone for Leaven Kids’ success. In 2009, Leaven Kids opened their very first learning center in Fairfield, California. Today, they manage over 25 learning centers across the state.
“Our community partnerships are an integral part of our mission and organizational identity,” said Lillis. “The support that we’ve received from the community has been instrumental to our success and continues to remain an important part of our story. It’s crucial that our leadership team and advisory members understand the importance of those relationships, which is why we’re so thrilled to host Gen. Goldfein during his community engagement tour and showcase the wealth of experience, leadership, and civic support right here in Solano County.”
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About Leaven Kids
Since 2009, Leaven Kids has provided free after-school tutoring and mentoring to some of California’s most at-risk neighborhoods. It serves as an in-community resource for children and their families by building educational centers in areas hardest hit by poverty, crime, and high drop-out rates among youth. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Leaven Kids helps to transform entire communities by providing love and patience to children struggling to learn and succeed in school. To learn more, visit leavenkids.org.
Contact for Media
Samuel Swanson sswanson@leavenkids.org