McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

BY | February 8, 2017

Introducing our new Executive Director, Donna Jacobson

A woman is sitting at a desk in an office with her hands folded.

EMBODYING LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION TO CHILDREN, DONNA HAS TAKEN THE LEAD AS OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A dedicated and enthusiastic nonprofit professional, Donna has served for more than 20 years in the fields of child welfare and early learning. As a leader, she is extremely passionate about empowering staff, providing opportunities for growth, team building, and creating an atmosphere of support, trust, and mutual respect. She has a strong talent for establishing and strengthening systems, increasing staff and organizational performance, and managing day-to-day operations without losing sight of the “big picture.”



Donna’s values embody our vision for our Executive Director—an innovative, forward-thinking individual who provides vision and leadership for the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University. In her new role, which began January 9, Donna oversees the operations of the McCormick Center, including financial management, grant writing, fund development, and building public and board relations; identifies and recruits new talent as needed; oversees staff development activities to enhance organizational performance; nourishes existing partnerships and develops new opportunities; and maps a course of action to achieve the McCormick Center’s vision. Donna will work closely with Teri Talan, Michael W. Louis Chair and Senior Policy Advisor, to passionately and articulately espouse the mission of the McCormick Center and lead the way in driving and responding to external trends, issues, and forces that shape early childhood leadership.


Donna’s advocacy for children and social change began as a social worker in Illinois, working with at-risk children and families. She continued her career in California, at one of California’s oldest child welfare organization, where she emerged as a top strategic thinker and leader, with a clear voice and the ability to unite teams and surpass goals. In 2013, Donna was promoted to the top leadership position and became responsible for all aspects of the agency, including: program and revenue development, management of a $65M endowment, and oversight of operations in eight statewide offices, 125+ staff, and an operating budget of over $60M.


As President, Donna immediately infused social work ethics and values into early learning and education services while promoting best practices in programs and operations. She focused on expanding services to at-risk communities and strengthened the agency’s commitment to quality assurance and staff development. Within two years, under her careful guidance and leadership, two new offices opened and the agency budget increased over 10%. Ms. Jacobson’s most cherished accomplishments include creating a Best Practices and Outcomes Department and opening a Family Resource Center in East Oakland.


Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Donna. She can be reached at djacobson6@nl.edu.


About the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University:


At the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership, we empower individuals to build the leadership and management skills they need to create and sustain exemplary programs for young children. Through professional development, evaluation, research, and public awareness, we promote best practice in program administration. By working with states, professional organizations, and directly with early childhood practitioners, we raise the bar on program quality. Because, when it comes to early childhood education, leadership really does matter.

Founded in 1985, the McCormick Center builds on National Louis University’s 128-year history of accomplishments in the field of early childhood education. From its founding as a vital force in the kindergarten movement of the 1880’s, NLU has remained rooted in educational progressivism and dedicated to advocacy for children and social change. The McCormick Center is committed to these same ideals.

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Building Community Partnerships for Lasting Impact

By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha • December 12, 2025
By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha Community collaborations can strengthen your early childhood program, expand services for families, and increase your visibility and credibility as a trusted resource in the community. But effective partnerships don’t begin with a phone call—they start with a plan. Start with internal planning Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: Members of your board of directors or advisory board Program staff members Interested family members and parents of enrolled children. REVISIT your mission and goals A clear, shared understanding of your program’s purpose will guide effective partnerships. Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: What is your mission? What strengths and expertise do we bring to the community? What challenges do our enrolled families face? What support or resources would be most helpful? What can we offer potential partners in return? Clarity about these questions will ensure that your outreach to community members and organizations is focused and meaningful. Learn about local resources Begin exploring the services and organizations that exist in your community. These may become valuable referral partners or direct collaborators. Examples include: Early intervention services Family support agencies Mental health providers Multilingual tax-preparation volunteers Knowing these resources helps you connect families with the help they need. share your space and services Your early childhood center may be a valuable asset for other groups. Consider offering your space to other programs or groups to strengthen your role as a community hub. Possibilities include: Scouting America or Girl Scout meetings Parenting workshops or support groups Health screenings or nutrition programs Community committee meetings participate in community events Raising visibility in your community opens doors to partnership. Become involved in: Neighborhood clean-up days Local fairs or festivals Library literacy events Cultural celebrations School district events These types of interactions naturally build trust and relationships. build and expand your network Partnerships often begin with small conversations or shared goals. Stay curious and connected—the more people you meet, the more opportunities arise. Potential collaborators include: Museums Public libraries Human services departments Colleges and universities Local schools Cooperative Extension services Hospitals and clinics Banks and financial advisors Mental health agencies Early intervention programs Remember: partnerships are mutually beneficial Successful collaborations are built on: Clear communication Shared goals Appreciation for each other’s strengths A commitment to supporting families and the community Whether the support you receive is financial, advisory, or educational, strong partnerships help everyone thrive. A final thought Community partnerships don’t happen overnight. With the proper planning, your early childhood program can become a powerful and connected resource in your neighborhood. Start small, stay open to ideas, and let relationships grow.
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