Kathy Hedge has served as Executive Director of the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) since May 2014. Under her leadership, PEP has launched multiple initiatives to better meet the diverse needs of parents and caregivers, including expanded online classes and programs; Spanish-language programming culturally adapted for local immigrant families; customized offerings for organizational clients such as schools, businesses, nonprofits, and healthcare providers; and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that has contributed to a meaningful shift over time in the makeup of its staff, board, and communities served.
Kathy’s tenure has also included the development of several award-winning PEP parenting programs, including the PEP Family Resiliency Program (PreK and K–12 versions). PEP was named Community Partner of the Year in May 2025 by Montgomery County Public Schools, and the organization’s budget has grown by more than 400% since 2018.
Prior to joining PEP, Kathy held senior management and fundraising roles with national and regional nonprofit organizations, including the Center for a New American Dream, BoardSource, and American Youth Hostels (Potomac Region). She is the author of Engaging Your Board in Fundraising: A Staff’s Guide (BoardSource, 2014) and has provided consulting and training in fundraising, strategic planning, and board development to a wide range of nonprofits. Kathy holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a BA in Political Science and French from Indiana University.
Kathy’s connection to PEP began long before she became its Executive Director. She first took PEP classes in 2012 as a parent raising two sons with her husband, and found the tools so valuable that the work became a passion. Her boys are now young adults, and she credits PEP with the strong relationship she has with them today.