A message for the Way to Grow community

A message for the Way to Grow community

A message for the Way to Grow community 150 150 Way to Grow

Way to Grow’s CEO Carolyn Smallwood to retire in January 2025

A message from Michael Garrett, Chair, Way to Grow Board of Directors

It is with a blend of emotions that I announce, after a remarkable two-decade tenure at Way to Grow, our esteemed
leader and cherished colleague Carolyn Smallwood has decided to retire as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective
January 2025.

Carolyn has been instrumental in elevating Way to Grow to a prominent and influential position in the field of early
childhood education. She is a respected and tireless advocate for progress, spearheading efforts to remove obstacles to
early education by motivating scholars and enabling parents to champion their children’s cause. Carolyn is known for her
unwavering integrity, candid and forthright leadership, and her knack for forging robust community partnerships. During
her leadership, Way to Grow has assembled a skilled team and developed an operational framework that has garnered
respect both locally and nationally.

As Carolyn transitions to the next chapter of her life, she reflects: “Leading this remarkable organization has been one of
the greatest privileges of my life. To guide a dedicated team committed to early childhood education and the prosperity
of children and families has been deeply fulfilling and a source of immense pride. With the organization’s consistent
growth and promising future, now is an opportune moment to introduce a new leader who will preserve the legacy of
strength and expansion we’ve envisioned for Way to Grow for the foreseeable future.”

Way to Grow is privileged to have a skilled team of senior leaders dedicated to ensuring the continuity of our vital work.
The Board of Directors has established a search committee and secured an executive search firm to partner with us in this
significant leadership transition. The search will commence later this month and is expected to culminate by year’s end
with the appointment and announcement of a new leader.

While we will miss Carolyn’s active involvement, we are fortunate to have her with us for the remainder of the year to
appreciate, cherish, and reflect upon our shared experiences. We are organizing an event to honor and express gratitude
to Carolyn for her remarkable service to Way to Grow over the last twenty years.

As we conclude, we extend our best wishes to Carolyn as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of her life. We invite
you to join us in celebrating and acknowledging Carolyn for her unwavering commitment, leadership, and devotion to
Way to Grow, and to wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement with her beloved family.

Should you have any comments or inquiries during this transition, please feel free to reach out.

With warm regards,
Michael Garrett
Chair, Way to Grow Board of Directors

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