Rob Colombini Appointed CEO of Child Care Aware of WA

We are pleased to announce that Child Care Aware of Washington has appointed our new Chief Executive Officer – please join us in welcoming Rob Colombini to the team!

Rob comes to CCA of WA with extensive expertise in children and family services, most recently having served as the Director of the Region X Office of Head Start where he led the program across multiple states. Rob is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the complex systemic challenges that often block access to services for those who need them most.

With a sense of urgency and a commitment to collaboration, Rob is eager to partner with our talented team to drive innovation and elevate our impact for children and families. He joins CCA of WA at a pivotal moment – while challenges persist and new ones will undoubtedly emerge, we can move forward with resolve and a renewed sense of purpose. We move into our next phase building on the strong foundation laid by our former leader, Deeann Puffert, and all those who have shaped our work along the way.

We are deeply grateful to our wonderful Search Committee, led by Board Member Laura Wells and composed of Board, staff members, and partners. Their time, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to a thorough process led to the appointment of an exceptional leader. We also wish to thank Clover Search Works for their partnership and guidance in the execution of a well-organized, successful search. And a special note of thanks to Naomi Wilson for stepping in as CEO to ensure a smooth transition.

Rob officially joins CCA of WA on Monday, August 25. In the weeks and months to come, there will be opportunities to meet him and learn about what’s next for the organization. We look forward to partnering with Rob and the entire CCA of WA staff, regional partners, supporters, providers, and the community to ensure that all Washington families have equitable access to quality child care and early learning opportunities.