Development

Barry Goren
Director of Development
Barry joined the Foundation in June of 2006 as Director of Development, making him the chief strategist for individual donor development and responsible for the overall operation of the CSF Leadership 1000 Scholarship Program. Barry served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle from 2000 to 2005. Since joining the Federation in 1984, he has also held positions as the Associate Executive Vice President of Development, Director of the Annual Campaign and Director of Community Planning.

The Director of Development position at the College Success Foundation brings Barry back to his roots and his first job in Seattle where he was Executive Director of the Mt. Baker Youth Service Bureau. Barry holds an MPA degree from Seattle University and a BA from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. He is married and has three children and lives in Seattle. Email Barry with thoughts or ideas at  bgoren@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Denise Whitbeck
Executive Assistant to Barry Goren & Susan Pollack
Denise joined the Foundation in August 2006. Raised and educated in New Hampshire, she moved to Washington State in the early 1980's. During the past 10 years Denise has worked in support services at the executive level, within the high tech industry. Her experience includes four years at CyberSafe Corporation, supporting the CEO, and most recently a six year tenure supporting the Senior Vice President and General Manager at Atari's Humongous Entertainment Studio. Enjoying hiking and the great outdoors, with her husband. Email Denise with thoughts or ideas at dwhitbeck@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Vickie Rekow
Scholarship Officer
Vickie joined the Foundation in November of 2006 as Scholarship Officer for the Leadership 1000 Program. She worked at Seattle Pacific University for over 17 years, the last ten as the Director of the Student Financial Services Office. She volunteered at the Washington Education Foundation as a reader for the first year of awarding the Achievers Scholarship Program selection. The process was compelling as story after story of hopes and dreams of attending college were tempered with economic realities. That experience strengthen her resolve and desire to continue the work of helping students and their families make the dream of attending higher education a reality. Being the first in her family to attend college, and doing it at night while working full-time, has also given her an appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication it takes to achieve educational goals. Providing opportunities to help others achieve their dreams is a privilege. She graduated from Northwest University and lives in Bellevue with her husband. Email Vickie with thoughts or ideas at vrekow@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Amy Johnson
Assistant Scholarship Officer
Amy joined the foundation in August 2007. Before joining the foundation, Amy was the Office Administrator for the Fulcrum Foundation, which provides financial assistance to promote and support Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Prior to working at Fulcrum, she worked for the Department of Recreational Sports Programs at the University of Washington where she held positions as the Assistant Director for Member Services, Operations Coordinator and Intramural Sports Coordinator. Amy graduated with a Master of Science in Education degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She lives in Seattle with her dog Harley and loves spending time with her nephews. Email Amy with thoughts or ideas at ajohnson@collegesuccessfoundation.org.