The board of directors is elated to announce the appointment of Deidra Adair as the new Executive Director for the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana (CCNELA). Deidra's unwavering passion for our mission of creating thriving communities for children and families has been evident through her decades of service to Northeast Louisiana. The CCNELA board eagerly anticipates Deidra’s fresh insights and leadership to further our mission and make a significant impact.
Deidra brings a wealth of experience from her role as the Assistant Executive Director at ARCO, where she led a large team, fostered teamwork and professional development, generated additional funding streams, and advocated for the organization across various settings. Additionally, she has a solid background in marketing services with experience in business growth and communications outcomes.
“The Children’s Coalition is an integral service organization for our region and a model for other regions and states. With its extensive range of programs, services, and dedicated staff, my family and I have benefited from several educational services and enjoyed participating in their community events. It is an honor for me to take the torch and light the way forward,” says Deidra Adair, Executive Director for CCNELA.
In December 2024, the CCNELA board celebrated Kristie Bardell’s legacy as she departed and announced Amy Clancy as the Interim Executive Director. Going forward Amy Clancy will continue to be a distinguished leader at CCNELA as Director of Early Childhood. Amy effectively manages a significant portion of our operating budget, funded through local, state, and federal sources and consistently demonstrated her commitment to improving outcomes for young children. The CCNELA board is grateful for Amy’s leadership and efforts in facilitating a seamless transition for Deidra and our staff and board.
CCNELA Board President, DeRon Talley, shared, “I am grateful to the board and staff for embracing inevitable change and contributing to this process. I am hopeful that together we can provide Deidra with the support she needs to become a legacy leader for our organization with a long tenure.”
For general questions please contact CCNELA Board President DeRon Talley talleyministry@gmail.com.
About the Children’s Coalition:
The Coalition began as a response to the 1997 President’s Summit for America’s Future in Philadelphia as Ret. General Colin Powell challenged Americans and communities to come together and make youth and children a top priority. In 1998, Northeast Louisiana began to organize their own efforts to focus on youth and adolescents, and later formally created the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana as a 501c3 membership-based nonprofit. The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we focus on fostering the physical, mental, and social well-being of children and adolescents through a comprehensive range of programs and services. Our initiatives address critical areas such as early childhood education, youth development, health and wellness, and family support. Founded on the principles of collaboration and community engagement, the Children's Coalition partners with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to deliver evidence-based solutions that make a lasting impact. Through our work, we strive to ensure that every child in Northeast Louisiana can reach their full potential.
To learn more about our programs and how you can get involved, visit www.childrenscoalition.org