Leigh Butler joined the Foundation for Tacoma Students in 2018 and currently manages the Finance, Operations and HR functions.
Leigh started her career in a rapidly growing restaurant management company. After experience with several roles in the company, the owner offered her the opportunity to move to Seattle to oversee the expansion of a new venture. She jumped at the chance.
Four years later, Leigh decided to take a shot at entrepreneurship. For 11 years, her business created signage and graphics for the Tacoma Rainiers, Tacoma Sabercats, Seattle Sounders, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, LeMay-America’s Car Museum, and the Tacoma Dome. Leigh sold her business to be a full time parent.
As her children grew, Leigh accepted a position at Oakland High School as a Resource Coordinator. She loved working with students, parents, staff and, community members to develop resources and programs to support students and their goals. This experience ignited a passion for improving student outcomes. In 2015, she joined UW Tacoma’s Center for Strong Schools, working on the Tacoma Whole Child Initiative.
A northwest native, Leigh enjoys the fast paced, ever changing environment at the Foundation and the challenges that it brings.
