Liz Fairchild recipient of the 2022 Region VII Head Start Association Administrator of the Year Award

It is with great pleasure that Sieda Community Action congratulates Liz Fairchild. Liz is the recipient of the 2022 Region VII Head Start Association (R7HSA) Administrator of the Year Award. R7HSA community includes the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. She received her award on October 25th during the 2022 Region VII Leadership Conference.

“Liz is so deserving of this award. She began her employment with Sieda Community Action as a Head Start Teacher. Since then, she has served as a Center Supervisor, Assistant Director and is now the program’s Unit Director. Her success clearly reflects Liz’s leadership talents and commitment to the Head Start program. We are fortunate to have Liz on our agency’s senior leadership team and thrilled that her accomplishments are being recognized by the state association,” commented Tammy Hotek, Sieda Deputy Director

Above all, many children’s lives have been improved in our counties during her Head Start career. In 2013 she was named Sieda Head Start Director and continually demonstrates her keen understanding of the Head Start program and its values. Liz has more than doubled the collaboration between Head Start and the school districts in the counties that Sieda serves. She expertly navigates through the mountains of regulations and ensures that expectations are met.

“Liz is a true leader and mentor for our Head Start Program at Sieda Community Action. I am honored to work beside her each day,” says Sieda Head Start Assistant Director Dana Belzer.

For instance, staff members say Liz remembers what it’s like to walk in their shoes and is ready and willing to do whatever is needed. They appreciate that she is an advocate for all team members. For example, Liz has expanded attendance at professional workshops and conferences beyond the management level to include teachers, family service workers, nutrition associates, and others.

Certainly, Liz’s personal goal for excellence and her contributions to the Head Start program and the local community have made a lasting impact. She will be a model of service above self to others well into the future. Thank you, Liz.