Karma Kreizenbeck has been selected as the new executive director of New Futures.

New Futures is a Burien-based nonprofit that operates programs to assist low-income children and their parents in several Highline apartment complexes.

"We are just thrilled," said Tessa Gorman, board president. "Karma brings the right mix of expertise in management and fundraising, and visionary leadership to strategically guide New Futures' mission of partnering with families so children can thrive."

Kreizenbeck is currently administrator of the Global Health Initiative at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

In her current role, she manages projects addressing disparities in health through the intersection of policy, economics, and culture. She brings over 15 years of philanthropic and strategic leadership to her new job.

The new director worked for four years in the Soros Foundation's program department where she developed and planned an international fellowship grant program and planned and managed a public health outreach project.

"It's exciting to invest my time and energy into a program and mission that is improving the lives of kids and families in my local community," Kreizenbeck said. "The move from global health research to New Futures is natural because there is a similar underlying philosophy to both endeavors.

"Reducing suffering and improving outcomes through global health research is based on the understanding that a person's health is dependent on approaching the person as a whole and understanding the interplay between socio-economic status, education, nutrition, and health. New Futures' holistic approach to improving education success - by working with children, families, schools, and the community resonates very deeply with me."

She will assume her new role on June 30.

"I'm just delighted Karma will be next to lead this fantastic organization," added Ruth Dickey, former executive director. "New Futures deserves the very best and Karma has the skills needed to lead New Futures in serving kids and families to its very best."

In March, the organization launched a national search for a new director. From a pool of more than 80 applicants, 10 semifinalists were interviewed. Four finalists met with the group's board and staff leadership and visited New Futures sites before Kreizenbeck was picked.