Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF) recently announced the appointment of its new Executive Director Rekah Strong.
In collaboration with EOCF’s Board of Directors, Strong will be responsible for ensuring the execution of an innovative board governance policy, visioning, strategic planning, community outreach and all internal operations including financial management of the organization, according to a news release.
Strong joins EOCF from United Way of the Columbia-Willamette where she served on the executive leadership team as the chief of operations and equity officer. At United Way her primary responsibility was the management of internal operations including finance, human resources, facilities and technology. Under her purview United Way was recognized for building an inclusive culture.
Strong comes to EOCF as an accomplished public and nonprofit executive. She previously served as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Clark County where she worked across multiple government sectors developing inclusion strategies for county administration.
Prior to working with Clark County Strong spent over a decade working for the state of Oregon to improve outcomes for children and families in Oregon’s child welfare system. More recently, she was reappointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to serve as a Clark College Trustee and active advocate for education.
Strong comes to EOCF after obtaining her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in social work from Portland State University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in social work research.
As the executive director for EOCF, Strong will lead the largest early learning organization in the Southwest Washington region. EOCF provides services that include Early Head Start, Head Start, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and the HotShots Youth Sports basketball program with the primary purpose of strengthening children and families through early learning, child development education and community partnerships.
"The board is inspired by Strong's sincere commitment to EOCF's mission and looks forward to her dynamic leadership of the agency," said Meridee Pabst, chair of the EOCF Board of Directors.
—EOCF
