Submitted by Ellis

The Board of Directors of Ellis is pleased to announce today that it has selected Lauren Cook as the new Chief Executive Officer replacing longtime CEO Leo Delaney who is retiring after leading the organization for 32 years. Cook will assume her new role on October 1, 2018.

Cook joins the organization with over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Throughout her education and career, Lauren has focused her efforts on the inclusion and advancement of aspiring young people and their families. Lauren, most recently has been a member of the executive leadership team at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) where she led its program development and extensive community partnerships. Prior to joining BGCB, Lauren was Executive Director of Healthworks Community Fitness, which operated two fitness and health education centers for women and children in Dorchester.

"We are all very grateful to have found our new leader who is deeply passionate about early education and youth," said Larry Hughes, Ellis Board Chair. "The Board and I are confident Lauren represents the next generation of extraordinary leadership for Ellis. We are most excited to do all that we can to support her in her new role."

"I'm thrilled to join such an extraordinary organization and team, and I look forward to serving the children and families of the Ellis community," said Cook. "Ellis is a leader in delivering the highest quality early education, care, and youth development programs, and it reflects my own interests and values. It's an honor to have the opportunity to devote my professional energy and expertise to such a meaningful organization."

"This is an exciting time for Ellis," said Delaney. "Lauren brings a distinctly special skill set and passion for the organization's work. I look forward to doing everything I can to support her during this transition."

Ellis is a 133 year-old nonprofit early education program in Boston's South End providing services year-round focusing on infant, toddler, pre-school, and school-age programs.