Press Releases

Committee for Children Names First Black Vice President

Shauna McBride to lead Committee for Children’s communications vision and strategy

SEATTLECommittee for Children, the global leader in research-based social-emotional learning (SEL), has appointed Shauna McBride as the organization’s new vice president of public relations and communications effective January 1, 2021.

McBride will report to Committee for Children’s CEO and oversee internal and external communications efforts in support of extending the organization’s brand influence and thought leadership. In her new role, she’ll also work to grow the organization’s advocacy communications and lead key initiatives and campaigns, including developing diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

Inspired by the organization’s origin story and fueled by her passion to make a positive impact on the world, McBride joined Committee for Children in 2015. Since her arrival, she has focused on elevating the visibility and influence of the organization. Over the past five years, McBride has secured media placements in top-tier outlets like Parents magazine, the Washington Post, and Education Week. A strategic storyteller and former journalist, McBride oversaw work on Committee for Children’s fortieth anniversary campaign. She also led the creation of innovative and award-winning public awareness campaigns, including the Captain Compassion® anti-bullying campaign, the Hot Chocolate Talk® child safety campaign, and the Winter Well-Being video series.

“During her time with us, Shauna has demonstrated exceptional leadership, building out critical communications functions, developing strategies to elevate Committee for Children’s brand, and modeling our organizational values,” said Interim Chief Executive Officer Andrea Lovanhill. “Her vision, sense of purpose, and determination will be critical to our future success. She brings a strategic mindset to how communications and reputation can advance our mission and inspire people, and I know Committee for Children will benefit greatly from having her in this new role.”

As the organization’s first Black vice president, McBride spoke about what this landmark achievement means to her. “When I was seven years old, I was inspired to pursue a career in storytelling when I saw a Black woman anchoring the evening news,” she said. “Ever since, I’ve honed an acute understanding of how much representation matters. I want to empower more Black professionals to serve in leadership positions everywhere. I also want to ensure the communities that we serve feel seen and heard.”

With more than 15 years’ experience across all communications disciplines, McBride has strong expertise in driving both brand and executive visibility, elevating values-based storytelling, and developing high-performing teams. Before joining Committee for Children, she served as director of communications for the National Women’s Soccer League team Seattle Reign FC, where she led communications strategies focused on female empowerment, youth education and health, and brand growth. McBride also brings her experience as senior communications manager at Allstate Insurance Company’s Northwest Region, where she oversaw the Allstate Foundation’s education-focused grant distribution and communications. At Allstate, McBride developed adept crisis communication skills while acting as a regional spokesperson and managing countrywide disaster relief communications.

“It’s an honor and a source of immense pride to be promoted to this position, and there could be no better way to celebrate my fifth year with Committee for Children,” said McBride. “Social-emotional skills are needed now more than ever. I’ll continue to take our communication strategy to the next level until Committee for Children is regarded as the top thought leader in social-emotional learning worldwide.”

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About Committee for Children

Committee for Children is a global nonprofit that has championed the safety and well-being of children through social-emotional learning (SEL), child protection, and bullying prevention for more than 40 years. With a history of action and influence, we’re known as a leader in social-emotional education and a force in advocacy, research, and innovation in the field. We take a comprehensive approach to SEL, promoting social-emotional well-being from birth to early adulthood—supporting not just classrooms, but entire communities. As our programs transform the lives of more than 16.5 million children per year, we rise to meet societal challenges to ensure children everywhere can thrive. Learn more at cfchildren.org.

Media Contacts

Jordana Ehling, jehling@cfchildren.org, 206-438-6378

M’Bilia Meekers, mmeekers@cfchildren.org, 206-438-6541