Outgoing LAPS Foundation executive director Jenny McCumber, left with newly-appointed executive director Sylvan Argo. Courtesy photo
LAPS FOUNDATION NEWS RELEASE
After more than six years of dedicated service advancing support for Los Alamos Public Schools, Jenny McCumber is stepping down as Executive Director of the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation.
While we are saddened to lose an exceptional leader who guided the Foundation to new levels of impact, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvan Argo as the Foundation’s new Executive Director. Argo will officially begin her role on April 20.
Although this is a new position for Argo, she brings extensive experience with local schools and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as Grants Manager for the LANL Foundation, where she managed a comprehensive grantmaking program and budget, implemented a cohort-based grant model, and strengthened partnerships with regional funders and grantees.
Previously, Argo served as Director of the Los Alamos Teen Center, where she oversaw its relocation and expanded programming that served more than 800 teens. She also held multiple leadership roles with The Family YMCA, further demonstrating her longstanding commitment to community engagement and youth development.
“We are deeply appreciative of Jenny McCumber’s outstanding work and thrilled to welcome Sylvan Argo as the new Executive Director of the LAPS Foundation,” said Foundation Board President Kurt Steinhaus. “Sylvan brings a deep commitment to education, a passion for community partnership, and a proven ability to turn vision into impact. As we continue to support excellence and opportunity for all Los Alamos Public Schools students, we are confident that Sylvan’s leadership will elevate our work and strengthen the vital connection between our schools and community.”
Argo has a long and deeply personal relationship with Los Alamos Public Schools, beginning more than 25 years ago as a student representative and instructor, and continuing as a community partner supporting experiential learning across all grade levels. Argo said, “These experiences have given me a strong appreciation for thoughtful curriculum design and a deep understanding of how educators, resources, and community partnerships work together to support student learning,”
The Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Jenny McCumber, who has served the organization since January 2020. Prior to stepping into the role, McCumber served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors as the school board representative from 2015 to 2020. Her tenure as Executive Director began during an unprecedented time, and she played a key role in helping schools navigate and thrive through the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting initiatives such as the Superintendent’s Challenge and the launch of the Los Alamos Online Academy.
During her leadership, she expanded wellness and student grant programs, introduced teacher mini-grants, and significantly broadened the Foundation’s scholarship offerings. She also launched impactful fundraising events such as Shower with Love and the Hilltopper Run, oversaw the organization’s office relocation, strengthened scholarship prioritization, and enhanced the Foundation’s nonprofit standing.
Beyond her accomplishments, McCumber was known for her compassion and leadership, supporting teachers through grant applications, guiding students pursuing scholarships, and working closely with the Board to maximize the Foundation’s impact.
The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to McCumber for her six years of leadership and service and wishes her all the best in her next chapter.
About LAPS Foundation
The Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that helps the local school district provide an extraordinary education for Los Alamos students. The Los Alamos community has given over $2 million to fund opportunities students and teachers would not have otherwise. To learn more about LAPS Foundation and how to get involved and/or make a donation, visit lapsfoundation.com or call 505.500.6501. Donations to LAPS Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization, are tax-deductible.