Smart Start Names Stephanie Fanjul as New President
At a board meeting today of The N.C. Partnership for Children, Inc., the organization that oversees Smart Start, Board Chair Ashley Thrift announced the hiring of Stephanie Fanjul as president. Fanjul will start her position on February 1.
"I am thrilled that we have found the next leader for Smart Start,” said Thrift. “The board and staff are pleased that Stephanie will join us to frame the new future of Smart Start. We are very confident in Stephanie's ability to step right in and continue Smart Start's mission of improving early care and education services to young children and families across North Carolina. We are excited about the knowledge, experience and energy she brings to this position and look forward to working with her."
Among the leadership positions she has held, Fanjul served as Director of the North Carolina Division of Child Development in the state's Department of Health and Human Services from 1994 to 2000. During those 7 years Fanjul worked with advocacy groups, community organizations and multiple partners to improve the quality and availability of child care in NC. Her strong leadership and creative approach resulted in several initiatives that distinguish N.C. from other states. Fanjul was instrumental in the creation of Smart Start, The N.C. Partnership for Children Inc., the design and implementation of the rated license for child care, the expansion of the child care subsidy system, and major efforts to improve and support the child care workforce.
"I am convinced that Smart Start is one of the most progressive approaches to community building that we have seen in this state and possibly the country," said Fanjul. "I know what the people of N.C. can do when they work together for children and I am ready to work with them to take the next big steps forward for Smart Start."
Fanjul also served as Deputy Commissioner in the Child Care Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC. Most recently she served as the Director of Student Achievement for the National Education Association from 2001 to 2006. In that role, she led the NEA's efforts to close the achievement gaps that exist between different groups of children. Fanjul utilized her knowledge of early childhood and her commitment to equity for all children to help teachers across the country identify strategies that would work to close the achievement gaps.
“Ten years of hard work have positioned Smart Start as an exemplary organization but we still have challenges that we are committed to tackle with focused energy. I am personally committed to gather the best ideas from all parts of the state and put them in place to ensure that children and families from across N.C. have what they need for success in life. Smart Start is the platform for moving our state forward. The economic advantage that we gain when the children of our state are strong makes this work essential. I look forward to being part of the Smart Start family again."
Fanjul lives in Raleigh with her husband Dean Debnam, she is the mother of five daughters and grandmother of infant twins. She was chosen after an extensive nationwide search that drew more than 60 applicants. Fanjul will replace current Smart Start president Karen Ponder, who announced her decision to step down in August.