Cindy Hillyer

About Cindy Hillyer

As a passionate leader in the public and nonprofit sectors, I specialize in building community-wide collaborations and coalitions aimed at advancing research, policy, and practice improvements to enhance individual well-being and population outcomes. I have a proven track record of serving on health and education boards and advisory councils at both local and national levels, driving systemic change that impacts communities and improves lives. In my current role as Director of Early Childhood Education at Minneapolis Public Schools, I oversee early childhood programs that serve more than children annually. Our programs focus on holistic child development and family well-being, addressing key areas such as mental health, vision and hearing services, and parent-child attachment. By leveraging whole-system support and results accountability, I lead teams and engage stakeholders to implement innovative strategies that scale proven solutions, ensuring sustainable improvements across the systems. Additionally, I coach leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors to advance equity and effectiveness through an original coaching model that integrates systems structure, innovation, results-driven accountability, and data analysis. My goal is to create environments where equity and well-being are central to decision-making, ultimately fostering the common good and scaling successful initiatives to benefit all.

Experience

1. Director, Early Childhood Education

   Minneapolis Public Schools

   Oct 2007 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

Education

• University of Minnesota School of Nursing

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

• Hamline University

  Masters of Public Administration