Keep Fayette Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, has named Marie Short, one of Atlanta's leading nonprofit community development and fund-raising professionals, as its executive director.

“This position is very important, and we have looked long and hard for someone with Marie's experience and skill set to assume this role,” said Jack Gilson, president of KFB.

Short will be responsible for overall planning, organization and coordination of KFB's day to day operations. She will be its liaison to federal, state and local governments.

She also will have responsibility for grant writing and fund-raising for Keep Fayette Beautiful projects, as well as overseeing the advertising, public relations and broader marketing and communications efforts of KFB.

Short most recently served as director of community development for `North Georgia Goodwill, where she was responsible for environmental partnerships and community development programs in 48 north Georgia counties.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the ?Georgia Recycling Coalition and cochairs Georgia's annual America Recycles Day and Rivers Alive (formerly known as Help the Hooch).

“We believe Marie will take a proactive approach to KFB's efforts and will help ensure the highest level of efforts in a all KFB initiatives,” said Gilson. “It will be exciting to see her proven community development techniques put to use in Fayette County.”

Short has served on the KFB Board of Directors for three years.

“I look forward to coming home to focus on the environmental and preservation issues in Fayette County,” she said. “This is a very exciting time to join KFB, and I look forward to helping the organization build upon its success and establishing new programs which enhance the quality of life in Fayette County.”