Longtime early childhood policy leader Shannon Cotsoradis has joined the Alliance for Early Success Board of Directors. Cotsoradis is the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, where she leads strategic initiatives to improve outcomes for young children and families through policy and systems change.
Before entering philanthropy, Shannon spent nearly two decades as a prominent state-based advocate, most notably as President & CEO of Kansas Action for Children. Under her leadership, the organization achieved significant policy wins, including stronger child passenger safety laws, expanded newborn screening, the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, new college savings opportunities for low-income families, comprehensive reforms to child care licensing rules and regulations, and increased investments in early learning.
Shannon was twice appointed to the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and the Kansas Maternal and Child Health Council. She was also selected from over 500 nominees to participate in the prestigious Leadership Kansas program.
In 2016, she became the inaugural CEO of the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, guiding the organization through a period of rapid expansion. During her tenure, she more than doubled the staff and budget and secured a federal Early Head Start grant to provide care for an additional 100 infants and toddlers in Omaha.
“The Alliance board will benefit greatly from Shannon’s deep experience in both philanthropy and policy advocacy for young children and their families,” said C. Lynn McNair, the Alliance’s Board Chair. “She knows us well, and we look forward to tapping her wisdom as we plan for continued growth and success at the Alliance.”