The Nexstar Legacy Foundation and Nexstar Network has hired the foundation’s new executive director, Kate Cinnamo.

The Nexstar Legacy Foundation is a Saint Paul-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing veterans and young people into the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical (PHCE) trades.

Cinnamo comes to the foundation with more than a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development. In her role as executive director, she will provide strategic vision and planning to bring the message of the foundation nationwide.

The foundation has two programs, called Troops to Trades and Explore the Trades, through which it aims to reach young people and veterans. The foundation plans to give away $115,000 in scholarships this year, according to Bill Raymond, president of the foundation’s board of trustees.

“I’m so excited to see Troops to Trades and Explore the Trades in action,” Cinnamo said. “It’s going to be a welcome new challenge to help grow these programs. I’m looking forward to building relationships with the Nexstar membership and the community to bring people into the trades.”