Bio: As a leader and advocate for children and families, Ed promotes the notion that we must all be eager to learn and grow new skills to meet the challenges facing our organizations and communities. He is dedicated over 20 years to Head Start goal of elevating the communities it serves. As the Executive Director of the Region 9 Head Start Association, Ed has worked collaboratively with his board, membership, and association staff to build R9HSA’s many services, partnerships, and training. In addition, Ed provides leadership development training, strategic planning, and meeting facilitation services on contract to early education agencies. Today, R9HSA is well regarded within the region and beyond for elevating the Head Start community. Prior to his current position, Ed Condon was Senior Director of Professional Development for the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and the Executive Director of the California Head Start Association (CHSA). He was the co-founder and owner of Montessori Learning Commons, Inc., a community of early education, elementary, and adult training schools in Sacramento, California, serving over 500 families in six locations. Prior to this career, Ed was in marketing and business management for retail organizations. A graduate of California State University, Sacramento, Ed has continued his education in graduate education courses, certificate courses for non-profit leaders from Stanford’s Executive Education, and a Family Development Credential from Cornell University Extension. Certified Master Facilitator with The Leadership Challenge, a Wiley Brand. Committed to his local community, Ed is an active volunteer with AFS, a High School student exchange program local chapter, and Board Member with Family Promise Sacramento, a nonprofit organization committed to helping low-income families achieve lasting independence. Married, he is the father of two young adults, and is active in his hometown of Sacramento.