Horizons of Kent County board president John Christie has been appointed to a three-year term on the board of Horizons National, the umbrella group that oversees the 38 summer learning programs nationwide.
“We are thrilled that John Christie will join the Horizons National board of directors representing a growing Horizons community in Kent County,” said Lorna Smith, CEO of Horizons National. “Mr. Christie’s professional and volunteer experience will offer a great perspective as Horizons continues to expand its footprint across the country.”
Since 1995, the local Horizons program has served hundreds of Kent County children at or below the poverty level as part of a growing national initiative to reduce the academic summer slide.
Nationally, 38 programs currently operate in 15 states. Two additional programs will start up next year. “It’s a terrific program and it’s growing,” said Christie, a partner in the antitrust and competition and litigation practices at WilmerHale in Washington, D.C. until his retirement in 2005. “We’ve expanded every year. I look forward to serving on this board and finding out how Horizons at a broader base functions.”
Horizons National creates guidelines for the local programs and also provides some staff and funding support from foundations and corporations such as Coca Cola, GE and Xerox. The great majority of funding for Horizons of Kent County comes from local sources. A non-profit, Horizons is headquartered at Radcliffe Creek School.
Jane E. Hukill says
Horizons National is lucky to have such a dedicated gentleman. John gives his all in any philanthropic effort. Bravo for the local Horizons and the National Horizons Boards.