KinderCare Learning Companies® announced Dr. Marquita Furness Davis as the company's new Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, non-profit leadership, government and philanthropy, including nearly six years as deputy director of Early Learning at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she led the foundation's multi-state early learning strategy which aims to ensure all young children have access to high-quality, effective and affordable preschool. Prior to her work at the foundation, Davis was the executive director of a large non-profit agency.

At this same agency, she previously served as deputy director of child development services overseeing several early childhood federal programs, including Head Start, Early Head and Child Care Partnerships. Appointed by two governors, Davis also served as the director of finance for the State of Alabama, commissioner for the Alabama Department of Children's Affairs, and Pre-K director for the state of Alabama. In her role as KinderCare's Chief Academic Officer, Davis will oversee development of KinderCare's high-quality educational programs, educator professional development, quality and accreditation initiatives, research and evaluation, inclusion services, and public policy.

Davis earned her bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University, a master's degree from Alabama A&M University and a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and Development from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She fills the role of Dr. Elanna Yalow, who will continue to serve as Vice Chair and Senior Advisor at KinderCare Learning Companies.