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Ron Packard, CEO and Founder of K12 Inc., Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2008 Award Winner in Greater Washington
HERNDON, Va. --(Business Wire)-- K12 Inc. (NYSE:LRN), the leader in K-12 curriculum and online school programs, today announced that the company's CEO and Founder, Ron Packard, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2008 Award in the IT Services & Solutions category in Greater Washington. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Packard was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in McLean, VA on June 19, 2008.
During his acceptance speech, Packard said, "I would like to thank Ernst & Young and the panel of judges for this prestigious award, and for recognizing the advancement of high quality education as a worthy entrepreneurial endeavor. It is an honor to win, particularly as I consider the other distinguished finalists. I would also like to thank my talented and dedicated management team, all of our employees, and the many investors who shared my dream of providing a world-class education for children in the U.S. and across the globe."
Packard continued, "I believe we have a responsibility to equip the next generation of entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, values, drive, and vision to impact the world. That is why I'm so proud of all we have accomplished at K12, and why I am confident we will be celebrating many future great entrepreneurs who were educated by K12."
Packard founded K12 Inc. in 1999 with the vision to provide every child access to an excellent education regardless of their geographic, financial or demographic circumstances. Since then the company has grown to become the leader in K-12 curriculum and online school programs.
Before starting K12 Inc., Packard served as a vice president of Knowledge Universe and CEO of Knowledge Schools. Previously, he worked for McKinsey & Company as well as for Goldman Sachs in mergers and acquisitions. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Mechanical Engineering with honors from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.B.A. with honors from the University of Chicago.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate their 22nd anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
"Ernst & Young is pleased to honor outstanding business leaders such as Ron Packard," said Rene Salas, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director for Greater Washington. "Winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year award build leading businesses and contribute a great deal to the communities around them. Their success helps our area grow stronger."
As a Greater Washington award winner, Packard is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 15, 2008. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.
In Greater Washington sponsors include HSBC Bank, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Reznick Group, Lockton Companies and the Washington Business Journal.
About K12 Inc.
K12 Inc., a technology-based education company, is the leading provider of K-12 curriculum and online education programs. K12 (R) provides its curriculum and academic services to online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. Over 40,000 students in 17 states are enrolled in online public schools that use the K12 program. K12 Inc. also operates the K12 International Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting online private school serving students worldwide.
K12's mission is to provide any child the curriculum and tools to maximize success in life, regardless of geographic, financial, or demographic circumstances. The K12 program combines a cognitive research-based curriculum with individualized, one-to-one learning approaches for students of all abilities in numerous education settings. More information can be found at www.K12.com.
About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential. For more information, please visit www.ey.com.
(C) 2008 K12 Inc. K12 is a registered trademark, and the K12 logo, Unleash the xPotential and xPotential are trademarks of K12 Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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