Published by CounciLINK on September 27, 2018
After nearly two years of preparation, strategic planning and build out – we have new technology in place that is providing a new online experience with the Council.
YourCouncil officially launched Wednesday, Sept. 13. Many thanks go to the CDAs and PD Specialists who provided feedback to the Council while YourCouncil was under development. Your input helped make YourCouncil an immediate success!
For example, YourCouncil uses an industry-leading technology platform that allows applicants to manage their initial or renewal CDA applications. YourCouncil lets users track their progress, upload required documentation and receive messages directly on their Dashboard page throughout the application process.
Here are new and updated feature and services:
Following the success of our initial launch of YourCouncil, we are continuing to fine-tune the system and finalize additional features.
Important Note: Some CDA candidates, who had applications in progress in the old YourCDA system and submitted payment by Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, are completing their applications in the “old system.” The old system will close on Dec. 15, 2018; then all active accounts will be transferred to the YourCouncil system.
All other active CDA candidates who were in progress but did not submit payment by Friday, Sept. 7, have access to their account in YourCouncil.
More details at https://www.cdacouncil.org/yourcda#moreinfo
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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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