Start Early Leadership Transition: Celena Sarillo to Succeed Diana Rauner

Start Early, a prominent nonprofit in the realm of early learning and care, is undergoing a significant leadership change as it prepares for the resignation of its long-standing President, Diana Rauner, in June 2026. The organization has officially appointed Celena Sarillo, currently serving as Executive Director of Start Early Illinois, to step into this vital role, marking an exciting new chapter for the established nonprofit.

A Legacy of Transformation

Diana Rauner has been integral to Start Early's evolution since she joined as a board member in 2003, before taking on the Executive Director role in Illinois in 2007 and finally ascending to the presidency in January 2011. Under her guidance, Start Early has seen remarkable growth, expanding from a $35 million nonprofit focused primarily on Illinois to a nationally recognized organization with an impressive $125 million budget. This transition has allowed Start Early to impact millions of children, families, policymakers, and professionals across the United States.

Mary Hasten, Chair of the Board, acknowledged Rauner’s remarkable contributions, stating, "Diana's leadership has transformed Start Early and positioned the organization as a national voice for early learning and care. Her vision and commitment have been crucial in shaping our services and programs."

Rauner’s departure from the presidency is not merely an end, but a robust continuation of her legacy through her successor. "It has been the greatest privilege of my career to lead Start Early," Rauner expressed, adding that she has strong confidence in Sarillo’s leadership.

Introducing Celena Sarillo

Celena Sarillo, who joined Start Early in November 2024, is well-positioned to carry forward Rauner’s vision while implementing her own strategic ideas for the organization. Her extensive experience in early childhood systems, community partnerships, and her leadership roles—previously as CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois—make her an exemplary choice for this position. Hasten emphasized that Sarillo combines strategic insight with operational expertise, which will be essential for enhancing Start Early’s national impact.

Sarillo's role will include overseeing and refining statewide prenatal-to-age-five strategies across Illinois, focusing on early education and care programs, including Educare Chicago. "I am humbled by the opportunity to lead Start Early into its next chapter. I look forward to furthering Diana’s legacy and ensuring that every child reaches their full potential through our programs and initiatives," said Sarillo.

The Future of Start Early

The transition period will unfold over the next six months, allowing for a smooth and effective change in leadership. The board's decision to appoint Sarillo reflects a commitment to maintaining continuity across the organization’s strategies and partnerships. Start Early aims to remain at the forefront of early learning and education, addressing significant gaps for children and families in the United States.

Start Early, established over 40 years ago, has been committed to advancing early learning and care for families and children, more importantly, working to close the opportunity gap. Not just a service provider, Start Early engages in advocacy, provides professional development, and collaborates with communities for systemic change to ensure that millions of children thrive.

To learn more about Start Early and its mission, visit www.StartEarly.org. As the organization embarks on this new chapter, the journey continues, fueled by a desire to innovate and expand its impact on early childhood education across the nation.