Colleen Versteeg
Chief Executive Officer @Tilly\'s Life Center
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WORK HISTORY
Chief Executive Officer @Tilly\'s Life Center
Irvine, CA, US
Provide executive leadership for a nonprofit advancing youth emotional wellness, prevention, and life skills through evidence-based programming and public-sector collaboration.Set organizational vision and strategic direction aligned with county, state, and education priorities impacting youth mental health and prevention servicesDirect social-emotional learning initiatives using continuous quality improvement cycles and performance monitoring to ensure measurable outcomesDevelop, implement, and oversee organizational policies, procedures, and internal controls to support regulatory alignment and operational efficiencyAdminister contracts, grants, and MOUs, ensuring fiscal accountability, internal controls, and compliance with reporting requirementsCultivate and sustain partnerships with school districts, county agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations to expand access to services and strengthen community impactOversee organizational budgets, forecasts, audits, and financial reportingRepresent the organization in advocacy coalitions, public forums, community meetings, and media engagements, elevating youth and family needsLead community-informed planning processes to identify service gaps and scale prevention-focused modelsLeverage data systems and technology for program monitoring and evaluationPartner with the Board of Directors on governance, strategic priorities, and fiduciary oversightLead senior management to strengthen workforce development and organizational cultureSupport Teen Ambassador engagement efforts, elevating youth voice through leadership development, feedback forums, and program co-design to inform organizational strategy and community outreach
EDUCATION
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor's degree, Child and Adolescent Development
Azusa Pacific University
Master's degree, Leadership and Organizational Studies
SKILLS
ABOUT COLLEEN VERSTEEG
Passionate Champion for Children, Youth & Families | Nonprofit Executive Leader | Strategic Innovator | Federal & State Early Childhood Professional | Advocate for Mental Health & Emotional WellnessI am a mission-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience building, growing, and transforming organizations that serve children, youth, and families. From Head Start programs to youth mental health nonprofits, my work has centered on ensuring every child and family has equitable access to opportunities that help them thrive.As Chief Executive Officer of Tilly’s Life Center, I lead strategic partnerships with schools, communities, and corporate supporters to deliver life-changing emotional wellness and life skills programs for adolescents and young adults. Under my leadership, the organization has expanded its reach, strengthened donor and corporate partnerships, and deepened its impact during one of the most challenging youth mental health crises of our time.I enjoy supporting Head Start and Early Head Start programs nationwide by strengthening systems that improve school readiness, family stability, and comprehensive services for young children. Through coaching, training, and strategic guidance, I help leadership teams enhance governance, data use, and program quality while aligning operations with federal standards and best practices.Previously, I served as Executive Director of Orange County Head Start, Inc, leading a large-scale federally funded early childhood system serving thousands of children and families annually. In this role, I oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets, regulatory compliance, workforce development, and continuous quality improvement across more than 40 sites, while championing family engagement, inclusion, and advocacy.Throughout my career, I have built high-performing teams, inspired stakeholders, and secured critical funding to deliver innovative programs that uplift children, strengthen families, and build healthier communities. My leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, compassion, accountability, and a steadfast belief in the power of people to create meaningful change.Specialties: Nonprofit Leadership | Strategic Planning | Donor & Corporate Partnerships | Early Childhood Systems | Head Start & Public Programs | Youth Mental Health | Program Development | Continuous Quality Improvement | Board Governance | Community Engagement | Advocacy & Policy | Public Speaking | Organizational Change Management
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