ROGERS — Krista Khone has joined the Rogers Public Education Foundation as executive director, according to a school district news release.

The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of public education by raising and distributing funds for worthwhile academic programs that would not normally be funded through conventional means.

Khone recently spent about three years as director of external relations at Celebrate Arkansas magazine. Prior to that, she spent 19 years as Vice President of Special Projects and Leadership at the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We are thrilled to have Krista on board as Executive Director,” said Kelli Gemmell, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Krista’s breadth of fundraising and event planning knowledge, as well as her vast knowledge of our community, make her uniquely qualified to lead our efforts.”

Khone replaces Casey Shelor, who left the position last fall, according to Ashley Siwiec, district communications director.

Khone, a Rogers native, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in adult education, both from the University of Arkansas, according to the statement.