CUES Fund CEO/Executive Director Marzia Puccioni Shields has announced that she will step down from her role effective June 30, 2026.
Shields made the decision as she balances her professional responsibilities with increasing family caregiving needs.
“This was not an easy decision,” Shields said. “CUES is a mission I care deeply about, and I have worked hard to fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my ability while balancing a caregiver role at home. At this time, I need to focus more fully on being a caregiver. I am grateful for the CUES staff, board, donors, and community partners who make this work possible every day.”
Shields joined CUES in 2024 after serving as Chief Development Officer at Heartland Family Service. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management, she has built a strong team of experienced nonprofit professionals and put important systems and processes in place to support CUES continued growth and long-term stability.
“Marzia’s leadership has been rooted in mission, relationships, and a deep commitment to the students and families CUES Schools serve,” said John Reed, Chair of the CUES Fund Board of Directors. “We are grateful for all she has given to CUES and fully support her as she makes this important decision for her family.”
CUES Fund supports the CUES School System, that provides tuition-free elementary education and wraparound services to over 600 students and families at All Saints, Holy Name, and Sacred Heart schools in Omaha. The CUES Board of Directors has formed an executive search committee and is actively recruiting a successor.
