Laura Newman Named Executive Director of the Child Care Council

The Board of Directors of the Child Care Council of Westchester - a nonprofit resource organization that increases access to early education and after school care – is pleased to announce that Laura Newman has been appointed Executive Director effective November 12, 2024. She succeeds Kathy Halas who has held the position since 2003 and announced her decision to step down earlier this year.

A self-described “corporate drop-out,” Laura found her calling in the nonprofit sector in Westchester County more than 20 years ago. Currently the Deputy Director at Neighbors Link, she previously held positions at Manhattanville College, Westchester Jewish Community Services, and The Guidance Center.

“Laura has a proven track record of success in the Westchester nonprofit community and brings a wealth of experience to this role,” said Dr. Emily Koelsch, President of the Child Care Council of Westchester Board of Directors. “Her background in fundraising and development, advocacy, and community engagement will be invaluable as we continue to work toward ensuring that all children in Westchester County have access to high-quality early education and after school care.”

“We are finally seeing widespread recognition of the fact that child care, early education, and after school programming are critical components of a healthy community and economy,” said Kathy Halas. “With Laura’s vision and leadership, the Council will work to extend that progress into a fair, sustainable child care system that truly works for families and the professionals who provide this care.”

Laura takes a practical, collaborative approach to organizational strategy, program development, and fundraising that produces great results for the communities served. Bringing together diverse groups of people to work for a common cause is what drives her in nonprofit management. A regular presenter at conferences and workshops, she earned her undergraduate degree from Ithaca College and holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.

“It is a social justice issue to make affordable, safe, quality child care accessible for everyone who needs it,” said Laura Newman. “Improving the entire system should be a top priority for our community and our country, and the Child Care Council is well-positioned to lead that effort. I look forward to building on the foundation established under Kathy’s leadership over the last two decades.”

For more information about the Child Care Council of Westchester, call (914) 761-3456 or visit www.childcarewestchester.org.

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About: The Child Care Council of Westchester is a 501c3 nonprofit resource organization that champions the healthy development of children, families and communities by promoting quality early care and education. A unique, “one stop” agency for child care, the Council offers parent referrals, training, information, technical assistance, reports on the industry, and public education for parents, child care programs, governmental organizations and the business community. Since its inception in 1968, the Council has grown to become the premier authority on child care services throughout Westchester County. The Council has attained Quality Assurance, national recognition award by Child Care Aware® of America, establishing it as one of the nation’s leading Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs).