Pioneers in Health Episode 10, October 24, 2024 – Shannon Cotsoradis, Director of Policy and Strategy, Buffett Early Childhood Fund.
Continuing her longstanding dedication to improving the lives of children and families, Kansas native Shannon Cotsoradis has served since 2023 as director of policy and strategy at the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, where she leverages her extensive experience in the early childhood education sector to support nonprofit organizations, both in Nebraska and nationally, which are working to improve child care quality and access both in homes and at childcare centers. The Buffett Early Childhood Fund focuses its philanthropy on children ages birth to five, paying particular attention to infants and toddlers, a population often overlooked in public funding but where early investment can result in some of the greatest gains and help ensure children grow up eager to learn, ready for school and inspired with hope.
Prior to joining the Fund, Shannon served as President & CEO at Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative starting in 2016. Shannon also has a strong background in advocacy and leadership, having served as President & CEO of children’s advocacy group Kansas Action for Children from 2010 to 2016 and as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer from 2001 to 2010. Shannon has a strong educational background, with an M.P.A. in Public Administration from the University of Kansas, M.A. in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College, and a B.S. in Psychology from Sweet Briar College.