Shiloh Turner to lead Cincinnati Preschool Promise

Published on January 30, 2018

Shiloh Turner will lead the Cincinnati Preschool Promise as executive director, the board of managers announced today.

Turner was part of the Leadership Cincinnati team that developed the Preschool Promise concept in 2012 as a member of Class XXXVI (36). She helped carry the vision through to completion by working as a political campaign strategist for Issue 44, the levy that included Cincinnati Preschool Promise, which passed in November 2016.

Turner’s personal experience also gives her a unique perspective on the importance of preschool and the work of CPP.

“I was fortunate to have educational opportunities that allowed me to climb out of poverty,” she said. “Everyone should have that opportunity. Cincinnati Preschool Promise is a game-changer for our community because it provides a fair and equal start to so many of our children.”

A long-time advocate of early education, Turner brings passion for education and leadership experience in large-scale, social change efforts. She most recently served as vice president for community investment at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, where she was responsible for charitable investments, community leadership initiatives and grant-making partnerships. She has extensive experience developing policies and programs that effectively evaluate and address community needs.

“Shiloh’s professional and personal experience, combined with her passion for children, have led her to this role,” said Michael J. Graham, S.J., president of Xavier University and chair of the CPP Board of Managers. “We welcome the experience and insight she will bring to the process of leveling the playing field for all our children.”

“Shiloh will be a wonderful addition to the Cincinnati Preschool Promise team, and we look forward to working with her,” said Pastor Ennis Tait, treasurer of the CPP Board of Managers. “She not only brings experience thinking strategically to positively impact our city, but she also has a passion for equity, which is key to providing every student with a strong start.”

“Shiloh is a great fit for the Cincinnati Preschool Promise team,” said Deborah Allsop, secretary of the CPP Board of Managers. “We look forward to supporting her as executive director so CPP is able to continue its work and accomplish the goals before us.”

Turner will begin her new role February 12, succeeding Stephanie Byrd, senior vice president of early learning strategies for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC). UWGC is supporting CPP as its trusted entity and Byrd has been serving as interim executive director of CPP since January 2017.

“I want to thank the United Way and Stephanie for stepping in and getting CPP up and running,” said Graham. “Under her leadership, CPP has partnered with Cincinnati Public Schools to enroll over 1,100 students so far in both CPS and community-based preschool programs.”

Turner will lead the organization into its next stage of work, including a focus on quality improvement, addressing wages and growing the number of students enrolled for the 2018-19 school year.

“We need everyone working together to ensure the success of this initiative,” said Turner. “I look forward to partnering with people throughout the community to drive this effort.”

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