Katy Graves Named Executive Director Of Early Childhood Center

Sag Harbor’s former superintendent has been named the new executive director of the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center.

“I thank the center’s board of directors for putting their faith in me,” said Graves, who was Sag Harbor Union Free School District’s superintendent the last five years before retiring. “I am excited to devote the next chapter of my career working at the center with our youngest learners, their families, and educators during such important developmental years.”

Graves will serve as the chief executive officer and education leader in her new role at the East Hampton not-for-profit, which teaches children 18 months to 5 years old and offers all-day childcare 10 hours a day, five days a week.

The move comes following the death of former executive director Maureen Wikane. The board if directors decided a ew senior management team composed of an executive director and an administrative director would best serve the center’s needs as it enters the sixth decade of serving the working families of our community

“We searched for the best candidates to fill those roles,” board co-chair David E. Eagan said. “We are highly confident that Katy is the right person to fill our most senior leadership position. She has demonstrated all the qualities and skills needed to build upon and advance the center’s leadership role.”

The board named Robyn Mott its new administrative director last September.

Graves completed leadership academy in school administration at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, holds a masters of science in health education from the Sage Graduate School, and a bachelor of science in home economic/clinical dietetics from SUNY Oneonta. She also holds multiple New York state educational certifications, including one for school district leader.

“Mrs. Gaves’s over 30 years of educational experience, including two decades of building and district administrative leadership, coupled with her lifelong passion for early childhood development and education uniquely positions her to assume this important role,”  co-chair Ruth Ann McSpadden said.

desiree@indyeastend.com