Committees

Patrick Murray

Co-Chair, Policy Committee / Vice President of Government Affairs

KinderCare Education

Patrick Murray leads KinderCare’s advocacy efforts, working to expand access to quality early childhood education programs and align policy with the needs of children, families, and employers.  Patrick joined KinderCare from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where he led the foundation’s federal advocacy strategies on education and health. Previously, he served as a policy advisor to U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. During his time on the Hill he led the negotiations on the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

Brian Gutman

Co-Chair, Policy Committee / Director of Government Relations

Learning Care Group

Brian Gutman is Learning Care Group’s senior expert on federal and state early care and education policies. He leads LCG’s advocacy with federal and state policymakers, and early childhood education organizations to close the gaps in access and opportunity for all children. Brian joined Learning Care Group from the Midwest office of The Education Trust-Midwest, where he was the Director of External Relations and Public Engagement. Previously, he worked on youth justice at a Massachusetts state agency and was legislative director for a New York elected official. Brian is admitted to practice law in Michigan, Massachusetts, and New York.

Joanna Cline

Chair, Website Committee / Vice President Marketing & Customer Experience

Learning Care Group

Joanna Cline is responsible for developing and executing a strategy for LCG to become the Third Party Provider of Choice in the early childhood education industry and building/executing a company-wide strategy for quality improvement & accreditation in LCG schools. She is a proven leader with a history of improving sales, performance and customer service for high-profile US brands and retailers online and in stores. She is responsible for leading the strategy, planning and execution of marketing initiatives across traditional, digital media, owned properties and partnerships to maximize lead and tour development and retention strategies.