LONGMONT - Liz Smokowski, a well-known leader in the Boulder Valley's nonprofit community, has been appointed the new executive director of The Tiny Tim Center, effective March 2.

She succeeds Teedee Keister who announced her retirement in January 2008.

Smokowski most recently served as executive director of Longmont's Safe Shelter.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to continue serving the Longmont community through such a wonderful organization," Smokowski said in a statement. "All children deserve the opportunity to reach their highest potential. I look forward to helping make that possible."

Keister started with the Tiny Tim Center as a substitute teacher in 1986 and became executive director in 1990. Keister, will work with Smokowski for a period of time and will continue to assist The Tiny Tim Center as a grant-writing consultant.  

Founded in 1956, The Tiny Tim Center in Longmont provides comprehensive early childhood education and therapeutic services.