The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence (OFE), a nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, has named Hayley Riggs Mc-Ghee as its communications director.

“We are so excited to welcome Hayley to the foundation,” said Elizabeth Inbody, executive director. “Hayley brings fresh perspectives, innovation and expertise to our team.”

McGhee, a Roland native, was a recipient of OFE’s Academic All-State Award in 2000. She is the first Academic All-State alumna to join the foundation’s staff.

“Being named an Academic All-Stater was an incredible honor that helped instill confidence in me at a pivotal time in my life,” McGhee said. “I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of a foundation that does such vital work. As a proud product of Oklahoma public schools, the opportunity to help honor public school students and educators is deeply meaningful to me.”

McGhee previously served as the creative manager for the Travel Promotion Division of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department and is a former assistant sports editor at The Oklahoman. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence was founded in 1985 by then U.S. Sen. David L. Boren to strengthen support for public education in Oklahoma. Through its flagship Academic Awards Program, the foundation presents $175,000 annually to honor outstanding public school students and educators. The foundation’s Oklahoma School Foundations Network provides free training, resources and networking opportunities to new and established school foundations.

Among its other initiatives, the foundation partners with Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute and Fund for Teachers to provide unique and impactful professional development opportunities to Oklahoma educators. Through its statewide mentoring initiative, the foundation promotes quality youth mentoring as a positive step toward academic success.