Mirror staff reports:

Debbie McGee will be the new director for AmeriCorps, bringing a wealth of experience of both education, business and service to the position. The new director said she’s excited to be in her new position and hopes to continue to the work that Federal Way AmeriCorps has performed in the past.

“The passion and commitment for service radiates from every AmeriCorps member and their desire to make a difference in the lives of our students is amazing,” McGee said.

McGee was a marketing teacher and communications director for Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) from 1992-1999. She’s familiar with the unique make-up of Federal Way’s diverse student population. Along with that, McGee held executive positions at World Vision and Capital One, and has worked as a career and life coach. She has also worked as an AmeriCorps trainer.

In her position as director, McGee will oversee a team of 60 AmeriCorps members. The organization provides tutoring and other after school programs for Federal Way students at 33 schools across the district.

Outside of those activities, one of the larger projects Federal Way AmeriCorps helped FWPS students create a public art display in Celebration Park. The theme of the art project was focused on anti-bullying efforts.

McGee replaces Monda Holsinger, who has retired after serving as director of AmeriCorps since its inception in 1995. The program grew to become one of the largest in the nation. Holsinger and the Federal Way AmeriCorps program received the 2007 St. Francis Humanitarian of the Year Award, sponsored by the Franciscan Foundation.

“The Federal Way AmeriCorps team has touched the lives of thousands of children and their families,” McGee said. “The impact of the team’s national service reaches across the U.S. through the member’s lives that have been impacted and the lives of the students who have gone off to college. I look forward to continuing the wonderful legacy that has been established here in Federal Way.”