Bright Minds Foundation is pleased to announce that Kathleen (Katy) Sedney has been appointed Interim Executive Director, effective May 1, 2026, as the organization transitions leadership following the departure of current Executive Director Jennifer Van Kirk at the end of April.
Katy joined the Bright Minds Board of Directors in 2025 and brings more than two decades of leadership experience in federal oversight, auditing, and financial stewardship. Most recently, she served as Assistant Inspector General for Audit, Inspections, and Evaluations at the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General, where she led large audit teams, identified significant cost savings, and provided strategic guidance at the highest levels of government. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Katy also has deep roots in civic and community leadership through her service on local nonprofit and youth-focused boards. For the last six years, Katy has served on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run of Central Maryland, including three years as Board Chair, during which she provided leadership through a successful Executive Director transition.
“Bright Minds plays a vital role in expanding opportunities and supporting innovative programs that directly benefit students and educators,” said Katy. “I am honored to step into this role and committed to ensuring the organization continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on Howard County’s public schools.”
The Foundation also extends its deep gratitude to Jennifer Van Kirk, whose vision and dedication over 8 years — first as a Board Member and then as Executive Director — helped Bright Minds grow into a trusted partner for community giving in support of Howard County public schools, raising more than $4 million and supporting thousands of students and hundreds of educators and classrooms across Howard County.
Christie Lassen, Chair of the Bright Minds Board of Directors, reflected on the path ahead: “Bright Minds enters this transition from a position of strength — committed donors and supporters, an engaged Board of Directors, and a track record of impact that Jennifer helped build over her tenure as a Board member and Executive Director. We are deeply grateful for her many contributions to this organization and to Howard County students and educators. Katy’s leadership experience and her genuine passion for this mission make her the right person to keep that momentum going through the transition.”
Bright Minds remains fully committed to its mission and to continuing to provide necessary financial support to students and educators throughout this transition. For questions, contact Interim Executive Director Katy Sedney at katy@hocoeducation.org or reach the team at info@hocoeducation.org or 410-313-8992.
About Bright Minds Foundation
Bright Minds Foundation is the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System. We bring together community support for academic initiatives that increase access, innovation, and equity for all Howard County public school students. Learn more at brightmindsfoundation.org.
