Schools
Petaluma Education Foundation's Director Steps Down
Janet Ramatici (at left above) leaves as seven years as executive director of PEF having helped raise over $3 million.
The Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) has announced Janet Ramatici is retiring this spring after seven years as Executive Director of the 30-year-old non-profit foundation.
Since taking the helm in 2005, Ramatici has led her staff and Board of Directors in raising $3,907,907 in funds and awarding $2,808,177 in grants and scholarships to local schools, while providing active stewardship of PEF's $3.8 endowment.
“I am particularly proud that we achieved this collective success during the recent economic recession,” stated Ramatici. “We stayed focused on our mission, relentlessly looked forward and boldly grew our impact for our schools.”
The mounting needs of the educational community also required PEF to develop a long-term strategic policy to sustain this impact by simultaneously growing the organizationʼs Fund the Future Grant Endowment while expanding the PEF Grant Program.
“I have never been more excited about PEF's future," said Ramatici. "We have created such a solid foundation, such a dynamic vision, that PEF can and will continue to thrive, well beyond the contributions of any one individual or group of individuals.”
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PEF supports 13,000 students at Petalumaʼs 37 K-12 public, private and charter schools. Through the generosity of individual donors, business partners, and the benefit of Alphabet Soup Thrift Store, the foundation provides grants and scholarships to create a positive and lasting impact in local schools.
Ramaticiʼs confidence in PEFʼs long-term viability has enabled her to take this next step without hesitation. Involved with PEF for over 22 years, she started as a freelance graphic artist creating many of the collectable event posters for the foundationʼs well-known community event - The Bash.
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In late 2005, Ramatici accepted the position of Executive Director to develop the foundationʼs role as an essential partner in addressing the needs for innovative and sustainable programs in the local schools.
PEF Board President, W. Thom Knudson, says, “The transition does not have a set timetable. Both Janet and the board are determined to take the time to allow the foundation to identify the ideal match who will be able to lead us into the future of ever expanding service to the community.”
“We are so very honored to have worked side-by-side with Janet during her time with PEF," said Knudson. "As friends, we are very excited for her to celebrate this next stage in her personal life. As her colleagues, we will truly miss working with her on a day-to-day basis but know she will always be a part of the organizationʼs legacy in Petaluma.”
Ramatici is married to Petaluma native, Gary Ramatici. They have two adult daughters both currently residing in San Francisco.
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