The Nexstar Legacy Foundation and Nexstar Network are thrilled to welcome the foundation’s new executive director, Kate Cinnamo.

The Nexstar Legacy Foundation is a Saint Paul-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing veterans and young people into the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical (PHCE) trades. The foundation partners with Nexstar Network, a best-practices organization for residential contractors in the PHCE trades, along with others to accomplish this goal.

Cinnamo comes to the foundation with more than a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development. In her role as executive director, she will provide strategic vision and planning to bring the message of the foundation nationwide.

“We are proud to have Kate at the helm of the foundation,” said Bill Raymond, president of the Foundation’s board of trustees. “She’ll do an excellent job of carrying the torch of the Foundation forward and getting the word out about the amazing opportunities waiting for people in this industry.”

The foundation has two programs, called Troops to Trades and Explore the Trades, through which it aims to reach young people and veterans. The foundation plans to give away $115,000 in scholarships this year, Raymond said.

Cinnamo said she is looking forward to the opportunity the foundation brings.

“I’m so excited to see Troops to Trades and Explore the Trades in action,” Cinnamo said. “It’s going to be a welcome new challenge to help grow these programs. I’m looking forward to building relationships with the Nexstar membership and the community to bring people into the trades.”

The Nexstar Legacy Foundation was created in 2005 when a group of founders, staff and members from Nexstar Network realized their dream of giving back to an industry that had rewarded them. Careers in the PHCE trades offer healthy salaries, upward mobility, stability, the option to work in any city, and even entrepreneurial opportunity.

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