State Forty Eight Foundation (SFEF), proudly announces the appointment of Kristin “KP” Priscella as its new Executive Director. As the SFEF enters its fifth year, this appointment signals the Foundation's commitment to statewide expansion and significantly increased investment in Arizona's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kristin Priscella as State Forty Eight Foundation's new Executive Director—her rare blend of nonprofit leadership depth and corporate operational excellence positions the organization for its next phase of growth,” said Sentari Minor, President of the Board for the State Forty Eight Foundation. “Her ability to secure philanthropic funding, engage complex boards, and build meaningful partnerships across Arizona’s business and nonprofit communities makes her the ideal collaborator to expand our impact statewide.”

Priscella brings more than 20 years of leadership in nonprofit and global education sectors to SFEF. During her decade at Arizona Science Center, she secured more than $15 million in philanthropic funding, managed a 57-member Board of Trustees, and cultivated strategic partnerships with organizations including Arizona State University and the City of Phoenix. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Global Partner Strategy & Engagement at Boundless Learning, where she led strategy for 100+ online university degree programs and managed a $100 million+ P&L. She earned her degree in Sociology from Harvard University. 

Deeply rooted in Arizona's civic and philanthropic landscape, Priscella has demonstrated a sustained commitment to community impact. She served as the 2025 Raise the Stacks Chair for the Phoenix Public Library Foundation, was recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal's 40 Under 40 (2016), and is a member of Valley Leadership Class 34 and Girl Scouts Troop Pearl.

“KP impressed us from day one. The board conducted a thorough hiring process with an exceptional pool of candidates, yet her experience, character, and strategic mindset rose above,” said Mike Spangenberg, Chairman of the Board for the State Forty Eight Foundation and CEO for State Forty Eight. “I’m grateful to have her at the helm of the Foundation—her guidance and expertise will help SFEF accelerate opportunities for Arizona’s entrepreneurs and small business owners, empowering them to build thriving businesses and stronger communities.”

As Executive Director, Priscella will lead SFEF's strategic expansion, with priorities including broadening geographic reach beyond the Phoenix metro area, deepening engagement with Arizona's entrepreneurial community, strengthening corporate and philanthropic partnerships, and scaling the Foundation's signature programs—including the Entrepreneur Speaker Series and annual grant funding initiatives.

“I am honored to join the State Forty Eight Foundation at such a pivotal moment for Arizona's entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Priscella. “I want to thank Mike, the board, and everyone who has helped build SFEF into a strong foundation with a mission that truly resonates across the state. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with this dedicated network of supporters to make an even greater impact. In 2026, our focus will be on creating deeper connections with our community, expanding programs that have proven successful, and discovering new ways to ensure every business owner has the resources, support, and capital they need to thrive. This is about building something lasting—together.”