The Early Learning Council is charged with coordinating a unified and aligned system of early learning throughout Oregon to ensure that all children, no matter what their background or their community, enter school ready to learn and that all families are healthy, stable and attached. The council follows the work of the five year early learning system strategic plan, Raise Up Oregon.
We are excited to announce that the following individuals have joined the Early Learning Council of Oregon!
Elizabeth Farrar Campbell, Appointed October 2023
Elizabeth Farrar Campbell was confirmed to the ELC in October 2023. Elizabeth Farrar Campbell serves as Gilliam County Judge, where she leads the County’s efforts to address critical community challenges, including early education access. She has held many titles, including in the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill, but her favorite is “Mommy” to 2-year-old daughter, Ainsley.
Barry Ford, Appointed October 2023
Barry Ford was confirmed to the ELC in October 2023. Mr. Ford is the President and CEO of Council for a Strong America (CSA) based in Washington, D.C. Mr. Ford has dedicated his life and career to fighting for the policies and public investments that children and families throughout this country need to thrive. He is a leading national voice on the importance of early care and education to the strength of our economy, the safety of our communities, and the ongoing security of our nation. Before joining CSA, Mr. Ford led the advocacy and community outreach efforts of the United States Tennis Association, was a two-time candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, and an associate with the international law firm Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton. He is a member of the Leadership Council of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood and the Early Years Climate Action Task Force. Mr. Ford also co-chairs the steering committee of The National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT).
Robin Hill-Dunbar, Appointed October 2023
Robin Hill-Dunbar was confirmed to the ELC in October 2023. Ms. Hill-Dunbar is a Senior Program Officer for The Ford Family Foundation based in Roseburg. The Foundation works to improve the lives of rural Oregonians. She joined the Foundation in 2016, where she is working to shape and execute the Foundation’s strategies to support strong families and healthy children of all ages. Prior to coming to the Foundation, she served as the home visiting workforce development coordinator at the Oregon Health Authority/Maternal Child Health. While there, she created a comprehensive workforce development plan that included the development of home visiting competencies for Oregon’s home visiting field, a workforce development plan, and helped embed the Infant Mental Health Endorsement in Oregon. Her extensive background includes work in early Intervention/early childhood special education, home visiting, parenting education, early learning local and statewide program management, and training and technical assistance in the early learning field.
Ruby Ramirez, Appointed October 2023
Ruby Ramirez was confirmed to the ELC in October 2023. Ms. Ramirez is a Program Officer, for Early Childhood Programs at Oregon Community Foundation. In this role, Ms. Ramirez is a relational bridge-builder and cross-system strategist passionate about equitable early learning opportunities and healthy early childhood development. Prior to joining Oregon Community Foundation, Ms. Ramirez worked as an early childhood policy strategy consultant and held several roles in non-profit administration, early childhood workforce professional development, and supporting families with early childhood mental health services.
Marie Simonds, Appointed October 2023
Marie Simonds was confirmed to the ELC in November 2023. Marie joined Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in 2012 and serves as the Executive Director of the newly named Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation (BDCF), working to support a thriving South Coast of Oregon. Through the support of BDCF, she is actively engaged in conservation, economy, and community projects such as Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trails, Bandon Community Child Care Center, Washed Ashore, Watershed support, and more. Her work on the Bandon Community Child Care project, the local shared services alliance, and workforce challenges have driven and motivated to work for change in the systems surrounding childcare businesses. Prior to joining the Resort, Marie was the Executive Director of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation where she led scholarship fundraising efforts for students as well as served as the Men’s and Women’s golf coach.
To learn more about the early learning council visit the DELC website at: Department of Early Learning and Care : Early Learning Council : About Us : State of Oregon