CONTACT:
Gina Davis, gdavis@zerotothree.org; 202-864-2934
WASHINGTON, DC — ZERO TO THREE — the nation’s leading early childhood development nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life — today announced Melissa Boteach, a leading advocate for family well-being, will join the organization as Chief Policy Officer, effective March 31. In her new role, Boteach will lead the development and implementation of ZERO TO THREE’s policy agenda and oversee its influential Policy Center, which includes federal and state policy and advocacy and technical assistance units. She will also serve as a member of the executive leadership team and as the principal spokesperson for the organization on public policy matters.
“We are energized and excited to welcome Melissa to ZERO TO THREE. Her unwavering dedication to securing the well-being of America’s young children and families is exactly what we need at this pivotal time,” said ZERO TO THREE Executive Director Matthew Melmed. “As potential federal budget cuts loom, threatening to strip essential supports from families, Melissa’s leadership, deep expertise and commitment to the well-being of babies and families will be game-changing. Her passion and vision will be instrumental in driving forward our mission to ensure all babies thrive.”
“I’m determined to champion a policy agenda at ZERO TO THREE that puts babies at the heart of the national conversation,” Boteach said. “The earliest years shape a child’s entire future, and it’s time for policymakers to match this undeniable truth with bold investments and robust resources. By taking decisive action to support families from the very beginning, we have the power to create transformative, lasting change that will secure a brighter future for our entire nation.”
Boteach previously served as Vice President for Income Security and Child Care/Early Learning at the National Women’s Law Center, where she led national policy, advocacy and public education efforts to expand child care access and strengthen family economic security. She also directed the Poverty to Prosperity program at the Center for American Progress, advancing innovative solutions to protect and enhance anti-poverty programs, and serving as policy editor for The Shriver Report. Earlier in her career, Boteach worked at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs on interfaith anti-poverty initiatives.
A Harry Truman and George J. Mitchell Scholar, Boteach holds a master of public policy from George Washington University and a master’s in equality studies from University College Dublin, where she studied women in social movements. She earned bachelor’s degrees in government and Spanish from the University of Maryland.
