Deanna East brings more than 20 years of experience in public education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement to her role as Executive Director of the North Thurston Education Foundation. Since 2023, she has led NTEF with compassion and strategic focus, working to remove barriers so every student can thrive.

Deanna began her career with North Thurston Public Schools in 2003 and later served as a McKinney-Vento Homeless Student Navigator, supporting students and families experiencing homelessness and helping improve graduation outcomes. As a parent of two NTPS graduates and an active community leader, she brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to her work.