Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org
WASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, the organization that promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in early childhood education, has named Michelle L. Brown as chief of staff. A nationally recognized early care and education expert, Brown brings three decades of experience to her new role, including experience in an early childhood center in an underserved neighborhood.
Brown will work directly with the Council’s CEO, Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr., and across the nonprofit organization to help develop and execute the Council’s mission and vision. Her responsibilities will also include work around the Council’s public policy agenda, communications, event coordination, international relations and publications.
Brown began her career in early childhood as a Head Start teacher and Early Childhood Lab School Director in Toledo, Ohio. She continued her work advocating for children and families in positions at the local, state and national levels. Her work in Washington, DC, in fact began at the Council as a participant in the National Head Start Fellowship program. She has held key positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start, National Head Start Association and ZERO TO THREE. She earned a bachelor’s degree in child development and family community services and a master’s degree in early childhood special education, both from Bowling Green State University.
“I am proud to welcome Michelle back to the Council having been a Head Start Fellow,” says Moore. “Her experience, knowledge and background in early education will further enhance the work we are doing. She understands what it is like to be in a classroom with young children, as well as how to work on a policy agenda. We share a passion and commitment to providing all children with access to equitable learning opportunities.”
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to join the Council,” says Brown. “It seems all the things I have done in the past have led me here. I began my career helping our youngest learners imagine and grow in new and exciting ways, and I bring those experiences with me every day in this position. The Council has a significant role to play in getting more early childhood caregivers interested in advancing their skills and knowledge.”
The mission of the Council is to promote improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old through the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential. The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. To date, over 800,000 CDA credentials have been issued around the world.
ABOUT THE COUNCIL FOR PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old. The Council recognizes and credentials professionals who work in all types of early care and education settings including Head Start, pre-k, infant-toddler, family childcare, and home visitor programs. As a nonprofit organization, the Council sets policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing. To date, over 800,000 CDA credentials have been issued around the world. For more information, visit www.cdacouncil.org.
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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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