Karen Walker Named CEO of McKinney Education Foundation

McKinney, Texas — April 2, 2026

The McKinney Education Foundation is proud to announce Karen Walker as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Walker brings a strong background in public education and nonprofit leadership, along with a deep commitment to students, educators, and community. She joins MEF from Anna ISD, where she served as Director of Communications and Executive Director of the Anna Education Foundation.

Throughout her career, Walker has led strategic communications, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced initiatives that directly support student success. Her experience also includes roles with Region 10 Education Service Center and leadership positions across Humble, Celina, and Van Alstyne ISDs.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University and a Master of Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is also a Certified Public Communicator (CPC). Learn more about Karen Walker and her professional background on LinkedIn.

As MEF continues to invest in scholarships, educator grants, and college advising for McKinney ISD students, Walker’s leadership will build on a strong and growing foundation and guide the organization into its next phase of impact.

“Karen is a proven leader with a deep understanding of how to connect community, communication, and mission,” said Board Chair Mark Kever. “She brings the leadership and energy to build on MEF’s momentum and expand our impact for students and educators across McKinney ISD. We are confident in her leadership and excited for what lies ahead.

We are also deeply grateful to Sheila Due for her transformational leadership. Her discipline, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment have strengthened this foundation and positioned it to serve students and educators for generations to come.”

Walker will step into the role as CEO on April 6, as Sheila Due concludes her tenure on May 15.

During her leadership, Sheila propelled the McKinney Education Foundation into a new era of impact, strengthening its financial foundation, expanding its reach, and deepening its service to students and educators across McKinney ISD. Under her direction, the foundation grew into one of the leading education foundations in Texas, stewarding an endowment exceeding $15 million and ensuring long term sustainability for generations to come. Her leadership leaves more than momentum, it leaves a foundation built to endure and grow for decades to come.

To support a seamless transition, Sheila will continue in a limited role as an Ambassador and Strategic Advisor to the Foundation, with a focus on fundraising and community engagement during MEF’s 35th anniversary year, including Purses with Purpose and McKinney’s Top Model: The CEO Challenge.

The work continues. As MEF enters this next phase, the focus remains exactly where it has been for decades, on the students and educators of McKinney ISD.

We are ready for this new chapter.

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About the McKinney Education Foundation
The McKinney Education Foundation supports students and educators across McKinney ISD through scholarships, classroom grants, and college advising programs. Every dollar raised stays local, directly impacting the community it serves.

Media Contact:
McKinney Education Foundation

Alicia Sanderfield

(asanderfield.sp@mckinneyisd.net)