WS Chronicle

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc. (SSFC), a nonprofit organization leading early childhood development and education initiatives in Forsyth County, announced that Louis A. Finney, Jr. has accepted the role of CEO/Executive Director. 

“We are excited to welcome someone of Mr. Finney’s character and background to our community and to our organization,” said Board Chair, Ms. Sheryll Strode. “Mr. Finney has the full support of the board as he accepts this new challenge.”

Mr. Finney has extensive experience leading early childhood education programs, including multi-million dollar Head Start programs in Florida, and he has consulted with many nonprofits and cities toward implementation of state pre-K and Head Start programs. 

Mr. Finney has served on organizational boards including the National Association for the Education of Young Children, as president of the Virginia and Florida Head Start Associations, and currently leads the National Association for Family Childcare as president. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Maryland, a master’s in Public Administration from Wilmington University in Delaware, and is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Business Administration and Strategic Leadership from Liberty University in Virginia. 

The board of directors officially confirmed Louis Finney’s appointment on Dec. 16, 2020. “I’m honored and grateful to the board and the community for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of creative, dedicated, and talented professionals,” said Finney. “This is a terrific opportunity that any leader would welcome.”

The Board of Directors of Smart Start of Forsyth County would like to recognize and thank the executive director search committee, chaired by Reginald McCaskill, Winston-Salem Maximum Enterprises, Inc. Members of the committee included: Sheryll Strode, Vistage Chair and Leadership Coach; Tembila Covington, Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods; Susanne Wilkinson, Wells Fargo; Kelley Bendheim, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools; Bob Feikema, Family Services, Inc.; and Denise Hartsfield, Forsyth County District Court Judge.