News & Events
FCSC Updates
In July, Brittany Birken, Ph.D., will join the Florida Children’s Services Council as its new chief executive officer. Dr. Birken is currently the Director of the Office of Early Learning at AWI.
“Brittany is a proven leader who helped pioneer Florida’s early learning system, including school readiness and VPK programs. She is well-respected by her peers and within the state’s provider community. Brittany has been an incredible ambassador for children’s issues and the FCSC is pleased to welcome her on board. She will be a wonderful asset and addition to our team,” said FCSC Chair Linda Lanier.
Before she was named as the office’s director in 2007, Dr. Birken held several positions within AWI’s Office of Early Learning. Previously, she was the Director of Research and Development for The Florida Children’s Forum. Dr. Birken has served on the Florida’s State Advisory Council for Early Education, Florida Interagency Council for Infant and Toddlers, and Florida’s Child Abuse Prevention and Permanency Council. She earned her doctorate in Child Development from Florida State University.
“I have been fortunate that my career has afforded me opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of children – both in the public sector and in the non-profit arena. Joining the Florida Children’s Services Council will give me a chance to return to my non-profit roots while continuing to work with many of the state’s wonderful child advocates with whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving in my current role,” said Dr. Birken. “The state’s Children’s Services Councils have been integral in developing a strong statewide system of care for Florida’s children and families. Ensuring that our children have the foundation they need to have healthy, happy and successful futures is my passion and I’m looking forward to putting that passion to work for the Florida Children’s Services Council.”
