GENYOUth, a New York-based nonprofit organization founded by dairy farmers through their checkoff to create healthier schools, said it named Maureen Bausch as chief development officer, GENYOUth COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund. Bausch will lead and implement the fund’s revenue-generating strategy to meet the unprecedented demand from school nutrition professionals tasked with feeding the nation’s students during the coronavirus pandemic. She will report to Alexis Glick, CEO of GENYOUth.

The COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund was established on March 30 to assist schools nationwide striving to provide vital meals, including dairy. While 124,000 U.S. schools are closed, the majority are continuing meal operations, GENYOUth said, as 30 million students rely on them daily for a substantial portion of their nutrition.

School nutrition professionals are in urgent need of monetary assistance to purchase equipment and tools necessary for safe and efficient delivery of these meals. Thousands of schools already have applied to receive grants of up to $3,000, the organization said.

“Our GENYOUth fund is answering an urgent call for help from our nation’s schools, and we are privileged to have an experienced business leader join our team to lead development for this time-sensitive initiative,” Glick said. “Maureen brings a strong mix of strategic and organizational expertise to take our immediate fundraising needs to the next level, as we are 100% committed to doing our best to ensure schools receive the funds they need to maintain continuity in feeding our nation’s kids.”

Bausch has more than 25 years of experience in business development, brand-building and marketing for organizations such as Bold North Associates, Mayo Clinic, Mall of America and the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee.

“Years ago, I worked as an elementary schoolteacher, and for many of my students the school meal was their only nutritious meal of the day,” said Bausch. “In this unprecedented time, I am proud to join GENYOUth to ensure those working on the front lines of school meal delivery get the support they need. It’s an honor to support the hard and great work that school nutrition professionals are doing.”

To donate to the COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund, go to www.genyouthnow.org or text SCHOOLS to 20222.