Old Greenwich Resident Is Appointed CEO of Childcare Learning Centers

From the Childcare Learning Center.

The Childcare Learning Centers’ Board of Directors announced today that Interim Executive Director, Marc E. Jaffe, will assume the permanent role of chief executive officer for the 112-year-old pre-k and child development organization effective immediately. Jaffe, an Old Greenwich resident, has served in an interim leadership capacity at CLC since February 2014.

“After conducting an extensive search and in consultation with our Board Members, Leadership Council and other community leaders, we realized that the strongest candidate was the person at the helm of the organization these last seven months,” said Board President Robert Mattis. “Marc’s experience and success with CLC as well as his professional expertise in both the for-profit and non-profit arenas make him the perfect person to lead our efforts to close the achievement gap among underserved children.”

Throughout his professional career, Jaffe has held leadership positions at a number of public and private companies in media, publishing and technology including among others Rodale, Inc. While at Rodale, he published the South Beach Diet, which became a global bestseller. He also built the licensing business around Rodale brands including Men’s Health, Runner’s World and Prevention.

On the non-profit side, Jaffe proudly helped to start Harlem RBI, an award-winning nonprofit service for children. He was a 17-year Board member there (Board President for the first five years) and is currently Chairman Emeritus of the Advisory Board. Harlem RBI went on to start The Dream Charter School, an outgrowth of its esteemed youth enrichment program that now serves more than 1,500 children.

Jaffe’s strategic marketing and brand-building experience along with his relationship-building skills have already led to growth and positive change for CLC. He has garnered the support of CLC staff and teachers while fostering relationships with area non-profits and making significant in-roads to engage the corporate, political and philanthropic communities.

“I am excited to get to work in this permanent capacity to extend awareness for the great work being done at CLC. It is amazing how many area families have benefitted from our organization and how many lives we’ve touched across lower Fairfield County,” said Jaffe. “As CEO my goals include strengthening our outreach and engagement with various constituencies, growing our Board, extending our creative and comprehensive curriculum, and expanding our fundraising opportunities. Throughout my career I have taken underexploited assets and monetized them. I see CLC in much the same way and look forward to leading the organization to reach its fullest potential.”

About Childcare Learning Centers

Since 1902, Childcare Learning Centers (CLC) has been a leader in developing and implementing high-quality and affordable early childhood education and care programs such as Stamford School Readiness, Child Development, Early Head Start and Head Start. It is recognized as the third largest pre-kindergarten program in the state and the second largest in Fairfield County. The organization operates at seven locations including CLC Palmer’s Hill, CLC William Pitt on Hillandale Avenue and CLC Maple Avenue. With accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, CLC provides nearly 1,000 children a year with a comprehensive curriculum, well-trained teachers, on-site healthcare providers and family service workers, and nutritious meals. The organization also has a unique collaboration with Yale University and the preschool RULER approach for building social and emotional skills in young children. For more information, visit CLC’s website at www.clcstamford.org.

Contributed photo.