Christopher Beard is the Executive Director of the District of Columbia Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC). Chris brings a wealth of leadership in the early childhood education field to DCAEYC, having held roles as a pre-K teacher, assistant center director, Head Start Family Engagement manager, and executive director. Notably, he served as the DC Head Start State Collaboration Director, where his efforts significantly increased professional development opportunities for ECE teachers and enhanced supports for family engagement services.

His professional expertise extends to managing community-based social impact programs at both national and local levels, with a strong focus on fatherhood, family engagement, and reentry programming for returning citizens. As a Director at the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI), he co-authored Inside Out Dad, the nation’s leading evidence-based fatherhood program for incarcerated fathers. Throughout his career, Chris's dedication to children and families shines, evident in his various leadership roles and commitment to supporting those who care for them.

Chris holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California and is graduating with his Masters in Major Program Management from the Saïd Business School at Oxford University, UK, in September 2024.

Ian Whittington is the Communications Director of the District of Columbia Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC). Prior to his role at DCAEYC, he was a Healthy Market Leader with the Joyful Food Market program at Martha's Table for three years. As a Healthy Market Leader, Ian worked directly with elementary schools in Wards 7 and 8, introducing him to the world of early childhood education.

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For the past decade, Ian has been committed to learning about food systems and helping to increase access to healthy foods. Based on his experience in various roles throughout the community, he has learned the value of effective communication to ensure the public is well informed.

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Ian earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Virginia Tech.  In his spare time Ian enjoys cooking, photography, and finding new places in the area to eat.