WHEELING, IL — April 25, 2014 — Policy director of the American Bankers Association and multi-billion dollar hedge fund managing director are not titles usually associated with “tireless early childhood advocate,” but Rob Dugger is all three and more.
In recognition of his dedication to the early childhood education field, the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University is pleased to announce Dr. Dugger as the 2014 Corporate Champion for Change award recipient. The award will be presented May 15, 2014, at the McCormick Center’s Leadership Connections national conference.
The Champions for Change Award originated in 2006 to recognize those in the corporate community who have played a significant role in promoting the professional development of early childhood leaders and increasing the public’s understanding of the importance of early care and education.
Dr. Dugger’s greatest passions are in early childhood development and organizing strong business coalitions to increase funding, quality, and access to essential services for children birth to five. He co-founded ReadyNation to carry out this work and encourage business leaders across the nation to contribute. Rob also created a new initiative to develop ways to pay for early childhood interventions using Pay for Success social impact principles. It is Dr. Dugger’s lifelong commitment to support systems that improve services for young children that makes it clear why he has been chosen as the 2014 Corporate Champion for Change.
The Leadership Connections national conference offers exceptional professional development experience where early childhood professionals can learn, network, and reenergize. The conference is designed specifically around leaders in the early childhood field and is held annually just north of Chicago. Whatever an attendee’s role—child care administrator, policymaker, resource and referral specialist, college instructor, family child care provider, or independent consultant—Leadership Connections provides inspiring sessions planned with participants’ needs in mind. Attendees have scores of opportunities to meet national experts, network with motivated peers, and gain the knowledge needed to be more effective in leadership roles.