On May 2, 2008, I was hired as the first Executive Director of the Children's Coalition of the Lehigh Valley (CCLV). I feel honored and humbled to be a part of this wonderful organization that has been fully committed to promoting and protecting the well being of children and their families in the Lehigh Valley for more than a decade.

I bring to this position experience as a former executive director of another local nonprofit organization. Also, I have a Master of Arts in Community Psychology and Social Change from the Pennsylvania State University and am fluent in Spanish. More than my work and educational experiences, I believe my best qualification for this position is my passion for helping children and their families. Now that I am a parent, this has become more important than ever!

As executive director, I am committed to strengthening and increasing CCLV's advocacy efforts. We have been blessed with generous support from our members as well as the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Business/Education Partnership. I thank you all for your contribution and look forward to seeing those relationships prosper. I also anticipate finding additional funding opportunities to be able to fulfill our mission to a greater extent.

I want to thank all those who have worked so diligently to build CCLV. I thank our members and our board, especially the Board Chairman--Dr. John Reynolds. I am excited about what the future holds for this organization and ask for your support in helping many of our goals come to fruition. Together we can grow CCLV and make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families!

Sincerely,

Carol Obando-Derstine