Sieda Community Action recently announced Liz Fairchild, Sieda Child Development Unit Director, was named the Iowa Head Start Association Administrator of the Year for the 2021-2022 program year. The award is presented to one Iowa leader in a Head Start program who has made special contributions to the success of children and families served by Head Start.

“I had the privilege of getting to know and work with Liz by being the parent of a student in the Sieda Head Start program and a member of the Policy Council. She brought creative thinking and leadership to the Policy Council meetings and really made me feel like a vital and important part of the Head Start program. I enjoyed my time working with Liz and the Policy Council so much that when an opening for an administrative assistant position with her Head Start program came available, I jumped at the opportunity and now am blessed to be able to call her my supervisor,” said Tamara Wheaton, Head Start parent and Sieda employee.

Fairchild is a 16-year veteran of Head Start, and has served as the program leader since 2015. She and Sieda’s Lora Condra, Iowa Head Start Association Teacher of the Year, will receive their awards at the Iowa Head Start Association annual meeting in September.

“It is a testament to Liz’s leadership that she and Lora are honored in the same year,” said Brian Dunn, Sieda’s Executive Director. “The past two years have come with unique and difficult challenges. Liz has met each challenge with grace and professionalism. She is committed to having a positive influence on Head Start children, families, and staff, and I am proud of the work she has done for our agency. I am so happy to see her hard work and dedication recognized and rewarded by the state association.”

Sieda Community Action, a private non-profit organization established in 1965 as a Community Action Agency, is tasked with providing a range of programs designed to address the causes and conditions of poverty. These programs strengthen families and personal relationships, promote child development, remove barriers to overcoming poverty, and help individuals and families with basic needs.