SACRAMENTO, CA Vanir Construction Management Inc. announces that it has hired Khary Knowles, LEED AP, as its new Executive Director for Education.

For the past 18 years, Knowles has served in program, project, architecture, and construction management roles with general contracting, construction management and architecture firms. As Vanir's top education market executive, Knowles will lead the strategic focus and management for the successful planning, pursuit, marketing and acquisition of new business for the K-12 and higher education sector.

"Khary will bring a unique set of skills and experience that will help Vanir provide successful solutions for our clients," said Vanir's Vice President of Business Strategy, Teri Cruz. "His energy and project experience combined with his leadership in the education market makes Khary a great fit for our company and culture."

Knowles earned master's degrees in educational leadership from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, and in architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor's in secondary education from the University of Portland in Oregon. He also completed several certification programs, including the School Business Management Certificate Program at University of Southern California, the California School Facilities Leadership Academy with Coalition for Adequate School Housing and Fiscal Crisis Management and Accounting Team, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Active in the community and professional industry, Knowles is a board member with The San Marcos Promise in San Marcos. California, an avid youth sports coach, and an active volunteer for CASH as a mentor for Leadership Academy candidates, and as a jury and committee member for the CASH student design competition.