Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation Names Lauren Reilly as Executive Director

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – October 13, 2026 – The Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation (FHPS Foundation) today announced the appointment of Lauren Reilly as its new Executive Director.

Reilly brings more than fifteen years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational growth. A former middle and high school educator, she began her career teaching students in the South Bronx and Harlem before moving into nonprofit leadership, where she has spent more than a decade building and scaling organizations that expand opportunities for young people.

Most recently, Reilly served as Executive Director of Gratitude Network, a global nonprofit that accelerates and supports more than 300 social entrepreneurs serving around the world. Prior to that, she co-founded and led SuitUp, a national education nonprofit that grew from a startup organization into a multi-million-dollar nonprofit serving students across the country. Reilly has been recognized nationally for her contributions to education and nonprofit leadership, including being named as an Obama White House Champion of Change for her work in summer learning. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Urban Education at Davenport University in Grand Rapids.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation,” said Board Chair of the FHPS Foundation Heidi Hendricks. “Her passion for education, proven fundraising success, and ability to build meaningful relationships make her the ideal leader to help advance our mission and deepen our impact across the Forest Hills community.”

As Executive Director, Reilly will work closely with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, district leadership, donors, volunteers, and community partners to expand awareness, increase philanthropic support, and strengthen the Foundation’s ability to invest in students and schools throughout the district.

“I am honored to join the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation,” said Reilly. “As a former educator and now a parent with a child in the district, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that strong schools and engaged communities can have on students’ lives. Forest Hills has a remarkable tradition of excellence, and I am excited to build on that legacy. As public education continues to evolve, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for innovation and opportunity, helping ensure every Forest Hills student has access to exceptional learning experiences that prepare them to succeed in an ever-changing world.”

Reilly will assume the role on November 2 and can be reached at lreilly@fhps.net. She welcomes the opportunity to get to know more families and businesses in the district.

About the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation

The Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students and educators across the Forest Hills Public School District. Since 1986, the Foundation has invested more than $1.3 million in innovative programs, classroom experiences, and educational opportunities that enhance learning and help maintain the district’s tradition of excellence. For more information, visit fhpsf.org.