Early Learning Council

The Best Beginnings Early Learning Council was established in 2006 to oversee implementation of Alaska's Ready to Ready, Ready to Learn Task Force recommendations, and includes former task force members and others who are committed and passionate about ensuring all Alaska children begin school ready to succeed.
    Susan Anderson President & CEO, The CIRI Foundation (Chair)

    Margaret Bauer Director, Work Life Services, Providence Health & Services Alaska

    Candace Winkler President & CEO, thread, Alaska's Early Care & Education Connection

    Brad McKim Managing Attorney, BP Exploration Alaska

    Ira Perman President, Important Work

    Michele Brown President & CEO, United Way of Anchorage

    Sue Hull Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board

    Ernie Hall Owner & Manager, Alaska Furniture Manufacturing, Inc.

    Bernice Joseph Executive Dean, College of Rural and Community Development, University of Alaska Fairbanks

    David Wight President & CEO, Retired, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company

    Sarah Scanlan Deputy Director, RurAL CAP

    AnneMarie Mattacchione Representative, Alaska Head Start Association

    Edna MacLean President Emeritus, Ilisagvik College

    Cathryn Rasmuson Trustee, Rasmuson Foundation

    Bill Hogan Commissioner, Alaska Department of Health & Social Services

    Tammy Sandoval Representative, Alaska Department of Health & Social Services

    Larry LeDoux Commissioner, Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

    Carl Rose Executive Director, Association of Alaska School Boards

    Leslie Ellis CEO, Credit Union 1

Circle of Champions
    Deborah Bonito President, Sourdough Mercantile, Inc.

    Carol Comeau, Superintendent, Anchorage School District

    Sharon Gagnon, Ph.D. Advocate, Early Childhood Literacy and Learning