Walter S. Gilliam began serving as the executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute in 2023, succeeding Founding Executive Director Samuel J. Meisels. Gilliam, who holds the Richard D. Holland Presidential Chair in Early Childhood Development, also holds a primary academic appointment at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center at a rank of tenured professor.

Gilliam came to the Institute from Yale University, where he was Elizabeth Mears & House Jameson Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology at the Yale Child Study Center and director of Yale’s Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy.

He is board president of ZERO TO THREE, a past president of Child Care Aware of America, board treasurer for the Irving Harris Foundation, and a director for First Children’s Finance, All Our Kin, and the National Workforce Registry Alliance, and a former senior advisor to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. In 2023, he was named a senior fellow working with the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Early Childhood Initiative. Gilliam is co-recipient of the prestigious 2008 Grawemeyer Award in Education for the coauthored book, A Vision for Universal Preschool Education. His research involves early childhood education and intervention policy analysis (specifically how policies translate into effective services), ways to improve the quality of PreKindergarten and child care services, the impact of early childhood education programs on children’s school readiness, and effective methods for reducing classroom behavior problems and preschool expulsion, as well as issues of COVID-19 transmission, vaccination, and health and safety promotion in early childhood settings. His scholarly writing addresses early childhood care and education programs, school readiness, and developmental assessment of young children.

Gilliam has led national analyses of state-funded PreKindergarten policies and mandates, how PreKindergarten programs are being implemented across the range of policy contexts, and the effectiveness of these programs at improving school readiness and educational achievement, as well as experimental and quasi-experimental studies on methods to improve early education quality. His work frequently has been covered in major national and international news outlets for print (e.g., New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, LA Times), radio (e.g., NPR), and television (e.g., CNN Headline News, NBC TODAY Show, CBS Early Show, ABC Good Morning America, ABC World News Tonight, FOX News). Gilliam has actively provided consultation to state and federal decision-makers in the United States and other countries (such as the People’s Republic of China and the United Arab Emirates) and frequently provides testimony and briefings before Congress on issues related to early care and education.

Gilliam is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he earned a master’s degree in educational psychology and a Ph.D. in school psychology. He grew up in Pikeville, Kentucky.

Stephanie Berglund is the CEO of thread, Alaska’s Child Care Resource and Referral Organization. She oversees statewide services aimed at improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of early care and learning. She has experience working on social public policy, creating innovative partnerships, and improving the quality of services in Alaska.

Ms. Berglund holds additional leadership positions focused on strengthening early care and learning, including most recently serving the Governor’s Child Care Task Force. In 2011, she was named one of Alaska’s top 40 under 40. Ms. Berglund holds a MSW from Colorado State University and is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in Alaska.

Kati Capozzi has served as the President and CEO of the Alaska Chamber since April 2019. Her previous roles include campaign manager for Stand for Alaska, communications director at the Resource Development Council, and special projects manager at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association.

Capozzi is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage and serves on the boards of directors for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of State Chambers, and the Council of State Manufacturers Associations. Capozzi moved to Alaska in 1996 and lives and plays in Eagle River.

My husband Marc and I have been married for 40 years; we have four children and two grandchildren. We arrived in Alaska in 1986 and were stationed at Fort Rich. For the past twenty years, we’ve resided in our district in South Anchorage.
I am a proud military wife and mother. Marc is retired from the U.S. Army and two of our sons currently serve in the U.S. Air Force.

Now that Marc and I are retired, aside from my service in the Legislature, we love being outside and experiencing everything amazing Alaska has to offer. In the summertime, we enjoy camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time at our cabin. In the winter I enjoy cooking and cross-country skiing.

Alaska State Legislature

• House Finance Committee, Member (2023-2024)
• Chair, Department of Education HFIN Budget Subcommittee (2023-2024)
• Chair, Department of Public Safety HFIN Budget Subcommittee (2023-2024)
• Chair, Department of Administration HFIN Budget Subcommittee (2023-2024)
• University of Alaska System Budget HFIN Subcommittee, Member (2023-2024)
• Behavioral Health Roadmap Steering Committee, Member (2023-2024)
• Alaska Postsecondary Education Commissioner (2023-2024)
• Governor’s Task Force on Childcare, Member (2023-2024)
• State Council for Interstate Adult and Juvenile Offenders Supervision, Member (2023-2024)
• House Resources Committee, Member (2025-Present)
• House Labor and Commerce Committee, Member (2025 – Present)

Education / Professional Experience

• University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) B.A. in Journalism and Public Communications, Minor in Political Science
• 15 years in retail and sales management
• Teaching Assistant

Volunteerism/Civic Service

• Vice President / Huffman/O’Malley Community Council
• Commissioner / Housing, Homelessness and Neighborhood Development
• Board Member / HALO (Anchorage Hillside Home and Landowners Organization)
• Former Board Member / UAA Alumni Board
• Volunteer / Alaska Food Bank
• Member / District 11 Republicans
• Mentor / Young Moms

Jon is a public engagement and qualitative research specialist based in Soldotna, Alaska with a deep commitment to community health across Alaska, particularly on the Kenai Peninsula. With over 12 years of experience managing projects, he leads community-centered initiatives that elevate local voices and drive collaborative solutions.

Jon’s work includes managing complex, multi-partner projects; designing and conducting qualitative research such as interviews and focus groups; and translating insights into clear, actionable strategies. He has developed and implemented outreach campaigns, facilitated public input processes, and supported organizations in creating targeted, culturally relevant messaging to support healthier communities. His approach blends strategic thinking with hands-on experience in Alaska’s unique social, geographic, and cultural landscape.

Jenny Taylor is currently the director of a small child care facility, Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School, which is affiliated with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Jenny began her career with Bunnell House in 2016 as a floating preschool teacher. After Covid, and after completing her bachelors degree in 2020, she was promoted to Director.

In Spring of 2023 Jenny graduated with her masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She served on the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care, and she was a member of the design committee for the university’s development of a new child care facility, hopefully set to open in 2027.

Leah Van Kirk is a Health Care Policy Advisor for the Alaska Department of Health Commissioner’s Office. She has over 25 years of professional experience working with vulnerable Alaskans in the fields of social work, corrections, education, and behavioral health. Her current work focuses on building systems that support the health and well-being of Alaskans, and recently she served on the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care.

Leah graduated from Concordia University with a bachelor’s degree in child development.
Leah is a lifelong Juneau resident who enjoys being outdoors with her family. You may find her gardening, berry picking, camping, or hiking. Leah enjoys traveling throughout the state and internationally whenever possible.

Anne Hedgepeth is a seasoned strategist in government relations and grassroots advocacy, dedicated to driving policy change across all levels of government. As the Senior Vice President of Policy & Research at Child Care Aware of America, she leads the organization’s public policy initiatives and bolsters the advocacy efforts of child care resource and referral agencies, along with other early learning stakeholders nationwide. Notably, Anne played a pivotal role in securing over $50 billion in COVID-19 relief funding for child care and early learning, while also providing essential technical assistance to various state initiatives aimed at creating a high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care system.

Anne’s expertise has garnered attention in major media outlets, including CNN, NPR, NBC News, The Hill, Business Insider, and MarketWatch, where she shares insights on child care policy and advocacy.

Prior to her current role, Anne contributed her expertise at the American Association of University Women (AAUW), where she was instrumental in the passage of significant legislation, including the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. She also worked on updating and implementing Title IX regulations in schools across the country.

Anne holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and gender studies from Davidson College and a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University, where she was honored for outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration as a member of Pi Alpha Alpha.

Dr. Theresa Hawley is an expert in the design of policies and funding structures for early childhood education and care systems that support the school readiness and well-being of young children, especially those in poverty. In her role as Executive Director of The Center for Early Learning Funding Equity at Northern Illinois University, she partners with states and communities to create innovative approaches and funding mechanisms that support the diverse needs of children and families. After two decades supporting the development of preschool, Head Start, and child care services in communities across Illinois, Theresa served as the state’s Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development and First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education. Theresa received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Ph.D.in Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Nicole Barcliff brings more than two decades of public policy experience to her role as a Senior Policy Director for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). In this capacity, she advocates for federal policies that provide economically challenged urban and rural communities access to capital, connect local partners to supports that allow for the advancement of community-driven priorities, and facilitate creative solutions to drive effective and efficient public systems. In particular, she identifies, develops and monitors federal legislative and regulatory proposals that leverage federal resources related to education, child care and early learning, health, and other community and economic development priorities.

Prior to joining the LISC federal policy team in 2012, Nicole represented the federal policy interests of the Pew Charitable Trusts Early Childhood Home Visiting team and served on the Education Affairs team at the Motion Picture Association of America. Her policy experience includes nearly seven years on Capitol Hill, working as Legislative Director to craft a legislative agenda and implement policy initiatives on behalf of a Member of Congress from Pennsylvania. She is a proud alumna of Temple University.

Krystal Hoke is the Internal Project Manager of the Girdwood Workforce Childcare Project. The project is a joint effort between Little Bears Playhouse and Girdwood Inc.

After giving birth to her first child, Krystal realized first-hand the difficulties of obtaining childcare in Girdwood. She has been licensed in Real Estate for fifteen years but has focused on nonprofit work since 2020. She began working for Girdwood Inc in 2022 and has since fundraised millions of dollars to build a new 7-classroom childcare facility, which is currently under construction. The new building will result in roughly a 300% increase in childcare capacity in the community. It is designed to meet current needs and expand as Girdwood grows for future generations.

Ali Knabe, who is currently serving as interim chief of staff, began her career at UAF in 2000 as a fiscal officer and program coordinator. She served as executive officer in student affairs for 12 years before becoming associate vice chancellor for student affairs in 2016. In that role, she oversaw a $21 million budget and UAF’s core student services departments, including Dining, The Pub and the Bookstore, Residence Life, Nanook Recreation, Disability Services, and the Student Health and Counseling Center. She was also responsible for the development of UAF’s new childcare facility, scheduled to open in 2027.

Rachel Roy (Yákw’tsaa) has served as Executive Director of the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce and Visit Sitka since 2015. She is Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, a citizen of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and is a member of the Sitka Kaagwaantaan Clan (Eagle/Bear).

She earned her Master of Business Administration from University of Alaska Fairbanks and is an Accredited Chamber Executive. Rachel also serves on the Sitka Early Childhood Coalition and the Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council. She is passionate about building community through collaboration, and she feels grateful to raise her three children Madison (23), Jacob (13), and Jesse (1), in beautiful Southeast Alaska.

Austin served on the Anchorage Assembly from 2018-2023 and as Anchorage’s Acting Mayor from 2020-2021, leading the community through one of its most challenging periods. In both roles, Austin championed a thriving, sustainable Anchorage and was a strong advocate for children and families. Since 2023, she has been leading the implementation of Anchorage’s new Child Care & Education Fund, which dedicates all municipal marijuana tax revenue to child care and early education.

Austin is originally from a rural logging town in northern California. She has been indelibly shaped by the closeness of her small hometown, the ability to run wild outside, and through observing first hand the impact of poverty on families. Austin is most proud of her work uplifting the voices of those with less power, frequently alongside her passionate wife Stephanie and their son Wilder. Austin is Anchorage’s first woman mayor and first openly LGBTQ mayor.

As Chair of Multnomah County, Jessica Vega Pederson is proud to serve as executive of Oregon’s most populous county, and among its most diverse. She took office as the first Latina to be elected to the position, and serves as the CEO of Multnomah County, overseeing a $4 billion budget that provides the largest safety net government in Oregon

Prior to becoming Chair, “JVP” served in the Oregon House of Representatives followed by two terms as a Multnomah County Commissioner. She has a long history as a climate champion and fighting for working families, including her leadership around the historic effort to expand early childhood education through Preschool for All, an initiative approved by two thirds of Multnomah County voters in 2020. 

Chair Vega Pederson lives in Portland with her husband and two children. When not working for the people of Multnomah County, she loves to explore the natural beauty of our state.

Mark Burgess is the President and CEO of Credit Union 1 in Alaska. He moved to Alaska seven years ago, bringing with him both a fresh perspective and a deep respect for community, rooted in his New England upbringing and a long family lineage of educators.

Since stepping into his role, Mark has led CU1 through growth that blends financial strength with community impact, expanding service to nearly 100,000 members statewide. He is passionate about people-first leadership, building trust, and fostering a culture where curiosity drives progress. Mark is known for weaving Alaska’s identity into CU1’s mission—whether through community partnerships, new branches in rural towns, or creative employee engagement.

Outside of work, he’s an avid birder and outdoorsman, often tying his love of Alaska’s wild places into the way he leads and communicates.

Heather Hicks serves as Executive Director of Statewide Services at Signal Centers, where she leads two powerhouse programs that serve all 95 counties in Tennessee. With a dream team of more than 200 professionals, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) provides training and coaching to early educators, and Child Care WAGE$® Tennessee helps keep amazing teachers in the classroom by offering salary supplements to those doing the hard work.

But her passion doesn’t stop at systems change — Heather’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to equity, sustainability, strategic impact, and advocacy for early literacy. She believes in the magic of early reading to bond, build brains, and ignite lifelong learning.

Since joining Signal Centers in 2008, Heather has worn many hats — from Strengthening Families Network Coordinator to statewide leader. She holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and she’s directed federally funded initiatives, presented at national conferences, and played a key role in advancing professional development systems for early educators.

When she’s not leading bold initiatives, Heather can usually be found writing or curled up with a great book — because great stories are for everyone, no matter your age. She does have a favorite children’s book, so if you love a good read-aloud, you’re in great company.

Whether she’s shaping policy or championing educators, Heather’s work reflects a deep dedication to building resilient structures that support and create lasting change for early educators, children, and families.

Tess Olympia is the Success Coordinator for Southeast Alaska AEYC. Through AEYC she has developed a childcare apprenticeship program. Her main role is to support apprentices in their success in both coursework and on-the-job learning. Tess has been in early childhood for many years in many roles including teaching, managing early childhood programming, and now apprenticeships. As a single parent, she has experienced firsthand childcare struggles in Alaska. On her time off she can be found picking berries, dyeing yarn or hanging out with her kid.

Grace Reef is the founder of the Early Learning Policy Group, LLC, a northern Virginia based early childhood consultant firm. Grace worked for 17 years in the U.S. Senate as a senior policy advisor on issues related to families with children for Senators George Mitchell, Tom Daschle and Chris Dodd. “Off Capitol Hill,” Grace was the Chief of Policy & Evaluation for 7 years at the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), currently doing business as Child Care Aware® of America. Grace’s experience ranges from child care, Head Start, and pre-k policy to welfare reform and family economic stability.

Grace has worked with a number of state coalitions in partnership with the Alliance for Early Success seeking to strengthen access to quality child care, building early childhood systems, undertaking early childhood landscape analyses, engaging business leaders in partnership with the Committee for Economic Development (CED), as well as supporting early childhood shared services strategies and family child care provider networks.

The Early Learning Policy Group focuses on strengthening the quality of child care and early learning at the federal, state, and local levels through policy analysis, strategic thinking and partnership building, effective communication and advocacy approaches, and pursuing alternative financing strategies and best business practices to support early childhood initiatives.

I am currently the Head Start Director for Kawerak, Inc. in Nome, Alaska, where I oversee Kawerak’s Head Start and Uiviilat Play & Learn Center child care programs in Nome, as well as 10 very remote Head Start programs in the Bering Strait Region, located 60 to 197 air miles from Nome. I have been the Head Start Director since 2015, and before that, I served as the Head Start Education and Disabilities Specialist from 2009.

Before living in Nome, I taught kindergarten or first grade for 12 years in Michigan, where I am originally from. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Calvin University, a Master of Education degree in Elementary Reading from Grand Valley State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Administration, Leadership, and Management from Walden University.

I am currently a Ph.D. student in Indigenous Studies at UAF, with the intention of supporting language immersion in Kawerak’s Head Start and child care programs.

I have been the wife of Rolland Trowbridge for 34 years, mother of two children who are now adults, and have been the foster mother of multiple birth to five-year-old foster children in Nome. I understand the benefits and challenges associated with child care from both the parent and administrative perspectives. I know how valuable and necessary child care is for working parents, and I look forward to learning from others on our panel about how we, as leaders, can increase and improve childcare opportunities in Alaska.