Denver’s Early Childhood Council welcomes new CEO

Denver’s Early Childhood Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Janiszewski as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, beginning on September 29, 2025! Melissa is a seasoned public sector leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing public health, social services, operations, and community economic development across the U.S. and internationally. She brings deep expertise in health systems, policy, and organizational operations, and has led initiatives that improve outcomes for children, families, and historically underinvested communities. Melissa has worked alongside government agencies, philanthropy, and nonprofits to design and implement strategies that address systemic inequities while building long-term, community-centered impact.

Her commitment to public service is reflected in her leadership at Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs (OCA), where she served as both Executive Director, a mayoral-appointed role, and Deputy Executive Director. During her tenure there, she established four new departments dedicated to youth violence prevention, youth mental health, maternal and child health, and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care.

Melissa’s leadership is rooted in equity and strengthened by decades of cross-sector collaboration. Known for her ability to navigate complexity, align diverse stakeholders, and drive measurable results, she has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, implemented operational improvements, and stewarded public resources with transparency and accountability. Her work reflects a consistent commitment to advancing equity, fostering trust, and ensuring that investments deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

“Melissa’s deep experience and unwavering commitment to equity make her the ideal leader for Denver’s Early Childhood Council at this pivotal time. Her ability to build strong partnerships and drive measurable results will help ensure every young child and family in Denver can thrive,” said Taran Schneider, Board Chair and Executive Director of Healthy Child Care Colorado.

Melissa’s passion for early childhood development and public service – along with her collaborative approach to addressing complex community issues – aligns perfectly with the Council’s mission and values. With her leadership, we look forward to strengthening our impact, deepening community partnerships, and continuing to advocate for Denver’s earliest learners!

Melissa holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Feel free to reach out to Melissa at melissa@denverearlychildhood.org to wish her a warm welcome and introduce yourself!