It is the priority of the departments of Human Services and Education and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to provide families access to high-quality services that effectively prepare children for school and life success. Our children's success directly impacts our commonwealth's success as a whole.

In continuing that effort, we are excited to announce Suzann Morris as the new deputy secretary for OCDEL. Suzann has been a part of the OCDEL executive leadership team since 2015, serving as Director of External Relations. In this role, she has been a liaison with OCDEL stakeholders and leadership councils and developed analyses and determined policy recommendations across the Office. With nearly 10 years of public policy experience, Suzann has been a strong advocate for young children and families and understands how to leverage internal and external resources to improve and expand early learning services.

Prior to joining OCDEL, Suzann led strategic advocacy and coalition efforts at the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC) and Public Citizens for Children and Youth.

In Suzann's new role as deputy, she will be able to utilize her past experience in public policy as well as her established knowledge of OCDEL's priorities to continue the momentum of initiatives such as integrating and aligning OCDEL services and re-visioning Keystone STARS.

Thank you for your continued support in critical work we do here at the department and join us in welcoming Suzann Morris as the Office of Child Development and Early Learning deputy secretary.

Sincerely,

Ted Dallas

Department of Human Services Secretary

Pedro Rivera

Department of Education Secretary