FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2024
Contact: Nicole Criner, Marketing & Communications Director - 208-921-8216 (cell), ncriner@idahoaeyc.org
Idaho AEYC Welcomes New Executive Director, Dr. Robert Sanchez
BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert Sanchez as its new Executive Director, effective June 10, 2024. An Idaho native, Dr. Sanchez brings decades of experience in strategic leadership, educational innovation, and dynamic community engagement to this vital role.
In his new role, Dr. Sanchez will focus on several key areas:
• Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with local communities, businesses, and policymakers to advocate for quality early childhood education.
• Program Development: Enhancing and supporting a variety of early childhood education programs to better meet the evolving needs of children, families, and educators.
• Financial Sustainability: Exploring diverse funding sources and innovative financial strategies to support and grow Idaho AEYC’s initiatives.
Dr. Sanchez expressed his enthusiasm about his new position, stating, "I am eager to join the Idaho AEYC team and continue the work of advancing early childhood education across our state. By working together, we can ensure that Idaho AEYC remains a beacon of excellence in early childhood education. I am dedicated to engaging deeply with our team and community to build upon our strong foundation and drive forward our mission, envisioning an Idaho where all children thrive."
Dr. Sanchez has a proven track record of spearheading initiatives that have significantly enhanced educational systems, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced financial sustainability. He most recently served as the Vice President of Idaho Business for Education (IBE), where he played a crucial role in advancing IBE's School House strategy promoting early childhood literacy, math proficiency, financial literacy, STEM engagement, workforce development, and college/career readiness. His collaborative leadership fostered enduring partnerships with leaders from business, industry, and education, which significantly bolstered K-12 and higher education systems and cultivated robust business-school partnerships across Idaho. His extensive leadership experience also spans pivotal roles within municipal government, non-profit organizations, and the U.S. Army.
Kevin Bailey, incoming President of the Idaho AEYC Board of Directors, praised Dr. Sanchez, saying, "Dr. Sanchez's vast experience and dedication to early childhood education make him an excellent fit for Idaho AEYC. His strategic vision and collaborative approach will undoubtedly strengthen our organization and enhance our impact on young children, families, and communities across Idaho.”
Dr. Sanchez holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and an M.B.A. in Management from Northwest Nazarene University, an M.A. in Strategic Studies from the Command and General Staff College, and a B.A. from Boise State University.
About Idaho AEYC: The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) is dedicated to promoting highquality early learning for all children, birth through age eight, by connecting practice, policy, and research. Idaho AEYC is committed to advancing a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supporting all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. To learn more, visit www.idahoaeyc.org. This press release is issued by Idaho AEYC.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Robert Sanchez, please contact Nicole Criner, Director of External Relations and Development for Idaho AEYC.
Phone: (208) 921-8216 | Email: ncriner@idahoaeyc.org | Website: https://www.idahoaeyc.org