Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA), the nation’s leading organization with an on-the-ground network making child care work for children, families, and communities, announced today that Carl Hairston, Dr. Sarah Lang, and Dr. Charlene Wong have joined its board of directors.
“These three exceptional leaders bring deep expertise, lived experience, and a shared commitment to building a future where quality child care ignites opportunity for every child, family and community, said Encarni Gallardo, Child Care Aware’s board chair. “I am honored to welcome them and energized by the leadership they bring as we continue to advance our strategic vision for a child care system that is truly child care strong.”
“At this moment, when families are stretched, providers are under pressure, and the child care system is being asked to do more than ever, I am filled with gratitude and hope as we welcome Carl, Sarah, and Charlene to the CCAoA Board,” said Susan Gale Perry, CEO of Child Care Aware® of America. “Each of these leaders understands that child care is not a side issue, it is essential infrastructure. Their leadership, vision, and heart will help us turn bold ideas into real solutions and ensure that every family, in every community, can access the child care they need to flourish.”
Carl Hairston is Area Executive Vice President for First Citizens Bank, overseeing local operations in the DC Metro and Northern Virginia regions. With more than 35 years in financial services, Carl brings a powerful understanding of economic systems, leadership, and community investment, and a long-standing passion for advancing early care and education as a cornerstone of family and economic stability.
“I’ve been a passionate advocate for early care and education for many years,” said Hairston. “Susan Gale Perry and I served together on another national board, and I am excited to partner with her again to shape the future of child care in America.”
Dr. Sarah Lang is an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University, with more than two decades of experience across early childhood research, policy, and practice. Her work, particularly in the areas of workforce and military child care, helps bridge what we know, what we do, and what families and providers need on the ground every day.
“As an early childhood researcher, I’ve had the privilege of examining issues affecting the early care and education workforce and collaborating with others to create stronger supports for these important educators, working extensively with the military child care system,” said Dr. Lang. “I’m eager to bring that experience to the CCAoA Board and work on real solutions to our nation’s toughest child care challenges.”
Dr. Charlene Wong is a pediatrician and nationally recognized health policy leader who previously served as Senior Advisor for Health Strategy to the CDC Director and Assistant Secretary for Children and Families in North Carolina. Now on faculty at Duke University, Executive-in-Residence at Common Health Coalition and co-founder of Seen & Heard, she continues to lead health transformation and cross-sector partnerships in local, state and federal systems.
“As a mom, a primary care doctor, and someone who has devoted my career to improving the health and well-being of children and families, I am thrilled to join the Board of Child Care Aware® of America at this pivotal moment for the nation’s early care and education system,” said Dr. Wong.
Child Care Aware’s newest board members are succeeded by five board members whose terms are concluding: Dr. Renee Boynton-Jarrett, Dr. Kelvin Chan, Fannie Glover, Beverly Lynn, and Catherine Lester. Their collective leadership guided CCAoA through a period of extraordinary challenge and opportunity, leaving a lasting impact on families, providers, and communities nationwide.
