Deeann is a nonprofit executive with more than 35 years of experience advancing high-quality childcare and early learning systems in Washington State. She most recently served as CEO of Child Care Aware of Washington, leading a state-wide organization with a budget of $34 million and a strong focus on mission, financial stewardship, policy, fundraising, and community partnerships. Deeann has had the privilege of utilizing her leadership skills in the nonprofit sector her whole career and finds working on behalf of mission to be the most satisfying work!

She especially enjoys assisting organizations who are going through significant changes, including leadership transitions. Deeann specializes in assisting leadership teams and boards to crystallize their vision, develop clear and achievable goals so they can reach the outcomes they seek. She also finds satisfaction providing support to organizations who are seeking fresh ways to include diverse stakeholder voices, so they develop new services and adjust those that aren’t meeting the needs of the community based on the perspective of those utilizing the services. Deeann has deep expertise in nonprofit management, public funding, advocacy, and organizational leadership, and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington.

Deeann enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing the violin, and reading a good novel. She is especially enjoying spending time with her two grandchildren. She loves to travel and has visited all but three states in the U.S.