Published by CounciLINK on May 23, 2019
Dr. Washington has led a contingent of Council staffers across the country in recent weeks, and even took the Council’s CDA message to Macau, China, for the World Forum.
From Shanghai to Sandusky, Ohio, Dr. Washington reports that the Council message was trumpeted and embraced at all sessions and speaking engagements, including those attended by other Council staffers. It’s pretty clear that, in particular, the CDA is more important than ever in our mission to train teachers and push for better pay and respect in the marketplace.
“We were very well received everywhere we went and made lots of new friends and potential partners,” Washington said. “Not only is there a critical need for competent teachers in this country, our friends in China and Egypt understand how important it is for them too. We look forward to working more feverishly here and internationally to fill that need.”
If you’re keeping track, Dr. Washington, Abena Ocran-Jackson and Ken Murphy kicked off the traveling season in early March with a trip to the World Forum.
Three weeks ago, Tre Maxie and Chonda Walden went to Columbus, OH, to host an appreciation reception that honored Ohio CDA Professional Development Specialists. Dr. Washington joined them later at the Ohio AEYC convention in Sandusky.
Sandy Kowalchek and George Scaria attended the Maryland State Childcare Association conference in Ocean City, May 2-5. Of course, we had a booth and many of our friends – new and old – stopped by to say hello.
Of course, the travel season isn’t over for Dr. Washington or the team. Upcoming stops include Seattle; Long Beach, CA; New York; Orlando, FL; New Orleans; and Ohio.
We hope to see you on the road!!!
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Chief Operations Officer
Andrew Davis serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Council. In this role, Andrew oversees the Programs Division, which includes the following operational functions: credentialing, growth and business development, marketing and communications, public policy and advocacy, research, innovation, and customer relations.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in the early care and education field. Most recently, Andrew served as Senior Vice President of Partnership and Engagement with Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning, where he led the expansion of state and community-based partnerships to produce more equitable systems of service delivery, improved programmatic quality, and greater outcomes for communities, children and families. Prior to that, he served as Director of Early Learning at Follett School Solutions.
Andrew earned his MBA from the University of Baltimore and Towson University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland – University College.
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Jan Bigelow serves as Chief Financial Officer at the Council and has been with the organization since February of 2022.
Jan has more than 30 years in accounting and finance experience, including public accounting, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has held management-level positions with BDO Seidman, Kiplinger Washington Editors, Pew Center for Global Climate Change, Communities In Schools, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and American Humane. Since 2003, Jan has worked exclusively in the non-profit sector where she has been a passionate advocate in improving business operations in order to further the mission of her employers.
Jan holds a CPA from the State of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College. She resides in Alexandria VA with her husband and dog.
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