First Chance For Children Elects New Executive Director

executive director in purple shirt

COLUMBIA, MO – March 1, 2022 – First Chance For Children (FC4C) is pleased to announce they have elected a new Executive Director from within the local early childhood community. Gay Litteken has the experience needed for this vital role, and the Board of Directors supports her efforts to lead the organization into the future successfully. 

Most recently, Gay served as the Executive Director for Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center where she transformed the organization and led it towards strategic growth. Prior to that, she served in a variety of human services roles that have given her the skills and knowledge she needs to successfully lead First Chance for Children. 

“I was impressed from the moment I met her, it’s clear Gay has the passion, talent and drive to lead our organization” says Abby Owen, Board President at FC4C. “Continuing the outstanding services First Chance provides mid-Missouri families while also realizing the untapped potential of our littlest citizens is our greatest challenge and greatest privilege as an organization.”  

For more than 15 years, it’s been the vision of FC4C to ensure all children arrive at school ready to learn, which is the greatest factor leading to success in school and in life. The organization is a local and state leader advocating for high quality early childhood practices, programming and policy while providing resources to foster healthy families.