EARLY CHILDHOOD CHILDREN’S COMMISSION

dsc_0068 Early Childhood Childrens CommissionThe Early Childhood Children’s Commission was formed in 2005, bringing together a group of community leaders in the fields of business, education, healthcare, child advocacy and philanthropy. Members of the Commission have diverse interests and backgrounds but share a guiding principle: all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The role of the Commission is to oversee the development and implementation of First Steps. Commissioners are committed to a comprehensive, accessible and better-coordinated network of support services for young children and their families.

The Commission had been working behind the scenes until the public announcement of First Steps in July 2008. During that initial three year period, Commissioners consulted with national and local experts, researched best practices from around the country, encouraged collaboration between service providers and helped guide the planning process to ensure the right strategies are in place to support our community’s youngest children.

The Commission is now leading the effort to make young children and their families an urgent priority in Kent County and to build the community support to sustain the work of First Steps.

Commission Members:

  • Doug DeVos, President, Alticor Inc. (co-chair)
  • Kate Pew Wolters, Director, Steelcase Inc. (co-chair)
  • Gaylen Byker, President, Calvin College
  • Lew Chamberlin, CEO/Managing Partner, West Michigan Whitecaps
  • Cecile Fehsenfeld, Co-owner, Schuler Books & Music
  • Betty Burton Groce, Community Volunteer
  • Sue Jandernoa, Community Volunteer
  • Kathy Muir, Educator, Community Volunteer
  • Khan Nedd, MD, Medical Director, Infusion Associates
  • Karen O’Donovan, Community Volunteer

Ex-Officio Members:

  • Susan Broman, President, Steelcase Foundation
  • Lynne Ferrell, Chair, Great Start Collaborative of Kent County
  • Bob Haight, President, Heart of West Michigan United Way
  • Kevin Konarska, Superintendent, Kent Intermediate School District
  • Carol Paine-McGovern, Chair, Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council
  • Milt Rohwer, President, Frey Foundation

Ben Emdin is Executive Director of the Early Childhood Children’s Commission. He can be reached at 616-752-8635 or bemdin@waybetterunitedway.org.