DYS Commissioner to Become New Executive Director of Boston’s Early Childhood Initiative

Less than a week after Massachusetts was awarded up to $50 million in Race to the Top funding for early childhood education, Thrive in 5 has selected Jane E. Tewksbury as its new Executive Director. As of February 1, 2012, Tewksbury will assume her post as head of Boston's citywide movement to ensure that all children entering kindergarten have the resources and support they need for success in school and beyond. Tewksbury has served as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services since 2005.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and United Way President and CEO Michael K. Durkin, Thrive in 5's lead sponsors, both expressed their support for Tewksbury:

"As Jane has seen in her work at DYS, we need to focus on young families, starting early, right when children are born. Making sure all kids and families have strong early educators, pediatricians and communities behind them from the start is the best way to ensure their success later on," said Mayor Menino.

"I'm thrilled to have such a passionate advocate for children join the Thrive in 5 team," said Durkin. "Jane's long commitment to youth and her decision to move into early childhood is a strong signal of where we all need to be looking to ensure a bright future for our community - at our youngest kids."

Launched by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley in 2008, Thrive in 5's mission is to ensure that children of all races, ethnicities, incomes, abilities and languages have the opportunities and support they need for success in school and beyond. Thrive in 5 achieves its mission by partnering with families, early education and care providers, health providers, other community organizations and the private sector. This partnership allows Thrive in 5 to build community capacity to support school readiness, strengthen the quality of services, expand and create new programs and initiatives to meet demand and measure progress to ensure accountability so that each of our children enters kindergarten ready to succeed.

"Over my career at DYS, I've seen how the early years are a key part of the pathway to success later in life," said Tewksbury. "Our investments in young children - reflecting our commitment to prevention and early intervention - allow us to get at the root of many issues that are so complex to address later on."

Appointed by Governor Mitt Romney in 2005, Tewksbury is currently serving as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services where she is known for promoting positive youth development as a means to improve outcomes for juvenile offenders. In addition to serving as Assistant Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney during her legal career, Tewksbury completed a mid-career Children and Family Fellowship at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where she participated in state-level human services systems reform in Arkansas and Maryland. Tewksbury is on the board of the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund and the YWCA. She earned her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and her undergraduate degree from Harvard/Radcliffe College.

"Jane Tewksbury's commitment to the young people of the Commonwealth is unparalleled, and she has made meaningful contributions to the lives of children and families as Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby.  "Jane's highest priority has always been to maximize each young person's potential for success.  On behalf of the Patrick-Murray Administration, I thank her for her extraordinary leadership and know she will continue to serve children and families through Thrive in 5's important work." 

Tewksbury was chosen for the Executive Director position by a selection committee which included Kim Haskins, the Barr Foundation; Kristin McSwain, Boston Opportunity Agenda; Marta Rosa, Wheelock College; Randal Rucker, Family Service of Greater Boston; Laurie Sherman, Office of Mayor Thomas M. Menino; Chris Smith, Boston Afterschool and Beyond; Peg Sprague, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley; and Gloria Weekes, parent leader.