Join the Council for Professional Recognition at the 2021 Early Educators Leadership Conference on October 5-8, 2021, at the beautiful Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Leesburg, Virginia. This year’s conference will explore the theme: Shaping the Future: A Time for Resilience, Renewal & Reform. We’re excited to announce our all-star lineup of keynote speakers who will share their experience and expertise in ECE. Look forward to getting words of wisdom, uplifting guidance, and a game plan to advance our field from these leading lights of ECE:
This year you can join in a wide range of sessions designed to raise your leadership IQ. Our experts will elevate your knowledge of key topics in ECE: training methods, leadership tactics, opportunities for state funding and—and health and wellness techniques. Check out this year’s EELC presenters to help decide which sessions you would like to attend.
Of course, there will be special recognition awards—and a whole lot of fun is in store, too! Bring your best western garb and we will line dance the night away at the Rodeo Glam! Embark on outdoor adventures and explore Virginia’s vineyards close to our destination resort. The Lansdowne in Leesburg, VA, is also an easy ride to Washington, DC, a capital of culture, tourism and entertainment.
Whether you’re seeing the sights, attending conference sessions or networking with colleagues, we want you to feel safe. The Council and the resort are following updated guidelines from the CDC. We’re also setting out added safety protocols for our times and providing attendees with badges that show their personal comfort level with closeness.
We’re eager for you to feel at ease when we engage with you at the conference. We look forward to greeting you in person, and many of your peers share our excitement at the prospect of bringing our community together. Space is already at a premium for this premier event in ECE.
Don’t delay, register today and let the countdown to EELC begin!
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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.
Chief Financial Officer
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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