Leanne Gibbs to join Early Start’s Executive Leadership Team

The previous CEO of peak body Community Child Care New South Wales (CCCNSW), now known as Community Early Learning Australia, Leanne Gibbs, will join the executive leadership team of Early Start next month, taking on the position of Senior Manager – Engagement and Translation.

Her role will centre on providing leadership and strategic thinking to ensure the Early Start Engagement Centres are supported to achieve positive outcomes for children growing up in regional and remote communities. 

Ms Gibbs will also be leading the commercial research/translation team in collaboration with the Academic Director, Director of Pedagogical Leadership and other key stakeholders.

Early Start CEO Anita Kumar said she was thrilled with the appointment, noting the extensive leadership experience Ms Gibbs brings to the role, along with her extensive advocacy efforts for children and families over the years. 

Ms Gibbs is currently completing a PhD in early childhood education leadership – A study of practices that support the emergence and development of leading within exemplary early childhood education settings – based on her passions for advocacy, professional development, training and research-based initiatives. 

Her “wealth of experience in tendering, delivering government contracts and the operation of early childhood education services” will be advantageous in the role, a University of Wollongong spokesperson noted. 

In announcing the appointment, Ms Kumar said the Early Start team are looking forward to “seeing the positive impact Leanne will have on the sector and the community”.

For more information about the Early Start programs on offer, please see here.