Board Election Voting Deadline Approaches: Hear Directly From the Candidates

As the DCAEYC Board of Directors election enters its final days, members are reminded that Friday, January 17 is the deadline to cast their vote.

In December, DCAEYC hosted a virtual Meet the Candidates conversation, offering members the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to serve on the Board. Throughout this week, we have been sharing selected excerpts from that conversation through our Meet the Candidates, In Their Own Words series, highlighting key perspectives from each candidate for members who were unable to attend.

Below are the featured reflections from each candidate, shared in their own words.

Dale Brown

“My life’s work has been about service, the kind that shows up every day inside of systems that families rely on. I understand the policies, but I also understand people. When we bring those together, real change happens, and that belief is what brings me here and guides how I hope to serve.”

Dale Brown’s remarks reflected decades of experience across public service, policy development, and direct support for families and early childhood care professionals. Her focus emphasized the importance of systems that work in practice, not just on paper.

Brandon Howard

“I have spent years helping child care providers lay the foundation for their businesses, from securing space to navigating deals and buildouts. The quality of the business, the space children are in, and the decisions providers make directly impact staff, children, and families, and that connection is what motivates my work.”

Brandon Howard spoke about the often unseen business decisions that shape early childhood programs. His perspective highlighted how stability, space, and long term planning affect program quality and sustainability.

Austin Lee

“I consider myself an early childhood caregiver at heart. My personal journey and my work in classrooms, coaching, and advocacy have shown me how deeply wages, healthcare, and mental wellness affect educators. When we support teachers fully, we protect the quality of care children and families receive.”

Austin Lee’s reflections centered on educator wellbeing and advocacy. He emphasized the connection between supporting early childhood care professionals and ensuring consistent, high quality experiences for children and families.

Johnathaan L. Pannell

“There is no way to truly support a child without supporting the family and the educators who serve them. If teachers are burned out or unsupported, that directly affects children. My work focuses on changing systems so equity, retention, and long term support are built into how education functions.”

Johnathaan L. Pannell discussed systems level change, equity, and workforce sustainability, underscoring the importance of addressing root causes rather than surface challenges within early childhood education.

Cast Your Vote by January 17

Board members play a critical role in shaping the direction and priorities of DCAEYC. Member participation in this election helps ensure that leadership reflects the values, needs, and experiences of the early childhood community across the District.

DCAEYC members have until Friday, January 17 to review the candidates and submit their vote.

Click here to vote!

Thank you for your continued engagement and for taking part in this important process.