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Leadership

Our Board

The Cincinnati Preschool Promise is a non-profit organization led by a Board of Managers, providing strategic direction to deliver on the promise of making early childhood education accessible, available, and equitable.

Our Board is made up of educators, parents, preschool providers, business owners and community stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, all committed to making quality preschool more equitable for all children. 

Nominated by the Cincinnati Public Schools, the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Promise Forward, and the Cincinnati Preschool Promise Board, Managers meet at least quarterly to exercise their duties and responsibilities in an accountable, transparent, knowledgeable, and thoughtful manner.

  • Micah Kamrass, Board Chair
  • Marcia Futel, Board Vice-Chair and Secretary 
  • Anthony Hobson, Board Treasurer

The Board of Managers

This diverse group of community leaders demonstrates excellence in early childhood education leadership. Their guidance strengthens the impact of quality preschool programs across Cincinnati.

  • Christopher Bennett, Managing General Partner, Bendav Equity Partners
  • Pamela Bowers, LPC, LCDC-III, Director of School Services & Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician, Central Clinic Behavioral Health
  • Glen Calhoun, Early Childhood District Lead Teacher, Cincinnati Public Schools
  • Verline Dotson, Retired Vice President of Early Childhood Education, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency
  • Terri C. England, Consultant, The England Project; A Circle of Friends Schoolage Program
  • Marcia Futel, Co-Owner, Chuck Futel & Associates
  • Anthony Hobson, Vice President- Counsel, NA Properties 
  • Margaret Hulbert, Retired Senior Vice President, Chief Public Policy Officer, United Way of Greater Cincinnati
  • Valicia Johnson, Owner, Generation Hope Childcare And Preschool
  • Carolyn Jones, Retired Project Director, Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board
  • Micah Kamrass, Attorney at Law, Manley Burke
  • Raven McKinney, Owner, Calvary Kids Learning
  • Ross Meyer, Vice President of Strategy, Interact for Health
  • Jennifer L. Myree, Education Committee Chair, NAACP
  • Kristi Phillips, Director, Cincinnati Business Committee
  • Traci Poellnitz, Owner, Cozy Care Nursery School & Childcare
  • Cheryl Rose, Partner, Constellation Wealth Advisors
  • Sallie Westheimer, Retired President & CEO, 4C for Children

Committee Chairpersons

Our committees ensure strong governance, financial oversight, communications, and support for preschool quality. This reflects our bold commitment to leadership in early childhood education and sustaining quality preschool programs.
  • Micah Kamrass, Executive Committee
  • Anthony Hobson, Finance & Audit Committee
  • Marcia Futel, Governance Committee
  • Terri England, Communications Committee
  • Sallie Westheimer, Cost of Quality Committee

Board Observers

Our observers include leaders in education, government, and nonprofit sectors. Their presence ensures broad accountability and continued collaboration toward building a stronger early education system.

  • Vera Brooks, Director of Early Childhood, Cincinnati Public Schools
  • Greg Landsman, U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
  • Garri Davis, Owner, Water Lily Learning Center
  • Bishop Ennis Tait, President, Faith and Community Alliance
  • Michael Gustin, Treasurer and CFO, Cincinnati Public Schools
  • Moira Weir, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Past Board Members

We honor the legacy of past leaders whose commitment to quality preschool education has laid the groundwork for today’s progress.

Our Team

The Cincinnati Preschool Promise staff work hand-in-hand with the Board to deliver on the mission. Their daily dedication ensures families have access to quality preschool programs and that every child is prepared for kindergarten success.

CHARA FISHER JACKSON
Executive Director & CEO
513-263-6767
KENETRA MATHIS
Deputy Director
513-263-6765
HÉCTOR POLANCO
Finance Director
513-263-6762
FLORENCE MALONE-CRUMP
Director of Community Engagement
513-263-6766
BRITTNII PINA
Director of Quality Education
513-263-6764
LINDSEY DIBLASI
Quality Improvement Specialist
513-307-9638
SYDNEY YISRAEL
TA Provider Coordinator
513-906-9023
AMBER MITCHELL
Outreach & Enrollment Specialist
513-370-9805
LAURA CARR
Communications Consultant
513-608-0730

Our leadership team is committed to keeping the promise. Get Involved to help us expand access to quality preschool programs for every child.

Improving Access to Quality Preschools, Together