ECCLA Makes Exciting Changes to Advance our Mission
In 2019, under the prudent direction of our Board of Directors, ECCLA successfully navigated significant programmatic and partnership growth while securing new leadership for the organization. Our mission to improve the quality, capacity, and equity of services and supports for Colorado’s young children and their families through a statewide network of Early Childhood Councils and key stakeholders continues to remain our primary focus. With our new Executive Director now in place, we have moved forward with making exciting staff changes in response to planning aimed to advance our mission, strategic priorities, and goals.
Heather Hanna Promoted to Deputy Director
Heather Hanna joined ECCLA in 2017 and has served as Director of Membership and Communication. In this role, she has supported Councils with technical assistance and capacity building, while developing communication strategies to elevate awareness of Councils and advance ECCLA’s standing statewide. During ECCLA’s transition to new leadership, she worked closely with the Interim Executive Director to ensure ECCLA’s strategic priorities continued forward. As Deputy Director, she will work closely with the Executive Director to advance ECCLA’s mission, strategic priorities, and programming; provide leadership and oversight for communications and membership supports; expand ECCLA partnerships and resources; and serve as Acting Director when needed.
Shannon Hall Promoted to Director of Workforce Supports
Shannon Hall joined ECCLA in 2019 and has served as Manager of Scholarships. In this role, she administered the T.E.A.C.H. Early ChildhoodÒ COLORADO Scholarship Program and more recently, the Family Child Care Home Facility Improvement Grant. ECCLA has continued to expand our programmatic offerings to serve the needs of the early childhood workforce by leveraging the expertise of Early Childhood Councils and their local communities. As Director of Workforce Supports, Shannon will help to advance and provide oversight for ECCLA’s workforce support programs for early childhood professionals.
Sarah Goldman-Foster to Serve as Community Outreach Coordinator
Sarah Goldman-Foster joined ECCLA in 2015 to support implementation of Colorado Shines. Since then, she has served as Administrative and Events Specialist – a dynamic role supporting the administrative needs of ECCLA and planning the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference. As Community Outreach Coordinator, Sarah will work closely with the Deputy Director to contribute to the implementation of ECCLA’s communications and membership supports, and assist with the facilitation of community and corporate partnerships.
With so many exciting changes, we must also express gratitude to Hendrik Kopperl, who continues to serve as ECCLA’s Director of Finance and Operations. Hendrik provides financial oversight, operational guidance, and human resources support for ECCLA. His expertise continues to significantly contribute to the success and growth of our organization.
Together, ECCLA’s team is excited to continue serving and elevating the work of Early Childhood Councils, while also working closely with many partners and stakeholders across the state in support of a strong early childhood system in Colorado.