Sponsorship relations and marketing professional James Kneblik Jr. has been named the College of the Canyons Foundation’s director of development. Kneblik began his new position on July 5.

Kneblik takes over the position held by Michele Edmonson, who retired in December.

“It is an honor to continue a career of service within the Santa Clarita Valley,” Kneblikc said. “College of the Canyons is a dynamic institution and serves as the gold standard for accessible education and innovative community partnerships. While representing the foundation, I look forward to working for increased student services and greater fundraising success in the years to come.”

Kneblik will be responsible for fundraising and membership expansion for key foundation support groups, such as the Chancellor’s Circle and Patrons of the Arts. He will also lead outreach efforts in support of the Foundation’s Annual Fund and pursue corporate donations for the college’s First-Year Promise campaign, which will launch in the fall.

“We are very excited to welcome James into the College of the Canyons family,” said Murray Wood, chief development officer for the foundation. “His sponsor relations experience and knowledge of the Santa Clarita Valley community will help move the College of the Canyons Foundation forward in our fundraising efforts.”

For the past five years, Kneblik has managed the Business Sponsorship Program for the City of Santa Clarita’s Economic Development Division. In that capacity he was directly responsible for securing $2 million in sponsor revenue and in-kind donations.

Prior to working at the city, he served as sales and marketing director for various Chick-fil-A franchise restaurants in Florida, Ohio and California.

Kneblik earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of South Florida in 2008.

The College of the Canyons Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization supporting the district by generating funds to support programs for student success and innovation. With more than 10,000 donors, the foundation provides financial resources for scholarship endowment, educational programs, and capital improvements, which can mean the difference between ordinary and extraordinary programs and services.