FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michigan Head Start Association Names Chanda Hillman as Executive Director
Lansing, MI — March 16, 2026 — The Michigan Head Start Association (MHSA) has named Chanda Hillman as its next Executive Director. With nearly a decade of leadership in Head Start and early childhood education, Hillman will lead the organization’s efforts to support and advocate for Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving children and families across Michigan.
Hillman succeeds Robin J. Bozek, who served as Executive Director of the Michigan Head Start Association for 16 years. During her tenure, Bozek helped strengthen Michigan’s statewide Head Start network and was a leading advocate for early childhood education and family services. Under her leadership, MHSA supported programs serving thousands of children and families across the state and advanced policies that strengthen opportunities for young children and their families.
Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Flowers Early Learning, a nonprofit organization providing Head Start and Early Head Start services to children and families across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties in Southwest Michigan, Hillman has led efforts to strengthen early childhood services and elevate awareness of the critical role high-quality early education plays in supporting families, strengthening communities, and preparing young children for lifelong success.
Her connection to Head Start began in 2014, when she was a parent in the program. In 2016, she joined Flowers Early Learning as a part-time recruiter and, just eighteen months later, became only the third CEO in the organization’s history. Since then, she has worked closely with staff, families, and community partners to expand opportunities for children and help ensure families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
“Head Start has always been deeply personal to me,” Hillman said. “I first experienced the program as a parent, and I have seen firsthand how it supports children, families, and communities. I am honored to take on this role and to advocate for the vital work Head Start programs do across Michigan every day.”
“Chanda brings both lived experience and strong leadership to this role,” said Tricia Grifka, President of the Michigan Head Start Association Board of Directors. “Her journey from Head Start parent to program leader reflects the powerful impact of this program. We are excited to welcome her as the next Executive Director of MHSA and look forward to the leadership she will bring to programs and families across Michigan.”
The Michigan Head Start Association represents Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state and works to strengthen early childhood education through collaboration, professional development, and public policy advocacy.
Hillman will begin her role with MHSA at the end of April.
About Michigan Head Start Association
The Michigan Head Start Association is a nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for Head Start and Early Head Start programs throughout Michigan. MHSA works to strengthen early childhood education by supporting programs, advancing policy, and promoting collaboration among early childhood leaders across the state.
Media Contact:
Tricia Grifka, Board President
Michigan Head Start Association
GrifkaT@nemcsa.org
989-906-6953