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Root for Kids Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Suzanne Leonelli Retires

February 8, 2025

After a decade of dedicated leadership, Suzanne Leonelli has retired as CEO of Root for Kids (formerly The Learning Center for Families) as of Friday, February 7, 2025. The Board of Directors and the Root for Kids Staff express their deepest gratitude for Suzanne’s visionary leadership and the profound impact she has had on the organization and the children and families it serves. In the interim, Greg Eberhard, Root for Kids' Chief Financial Officer, will stand in as CEO while the search for the new CEO is conducted by The Board of Directors.

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Suzanne Leonelli has dedicated her career to serving children and families through both nonprofit and governmental leadership roles. Before joining Root for Kids, she managed a $12 million federal grant as a program coordinator for the Utah Department of Health’s Office of Home Visiting. She previously led Prevent Child Abuse Utah as Executive Director, advocating for policy changes and managing a $1.2 million budget, and served as Vice President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, helping the organization achieve national recognition as a “Gold Standard” agency. Suzanne holds a Master’s in Administration, Counseling, and Educational Studies and a B.S. in Political Science from Fort Hays State University. Beyond her professional achievements, she is Rotary District Governor Elect and actively involved in the Washington and St. George City Chambers of Commerce, continuing her commitment to community service.​​​

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Under Suzanne’s guidance over the past ten years, Root for Kids has expanded its footprint and services to reach Iron and San Juan Counties, significantly increasing access to critical early childhood and family support programs. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:​

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  • Establishing the Caterpillar Clubhouse Early Childhood Development Center to provide high-quality childcare and learning opportunities.

  • Securing funding for a new center-based Early Head Start program in Hildale/Colorado City.

  • Growing and expanding the Kindermusik program, enriching the lives of countless children through music.

  • Leading a total agency rebrand, which included a name change, new website, new logo, and updated marketing materials.

  • Launching the Bloom and Grow program, providing essential support for teen mothers.

  • Introducing several successful fundraisers, including the annual Radiothon, The Secret Garden Gala, and Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament.

  • Steering the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted services for families in need.

  • Securing private funding for Root for Kids’ first mobile health RV, set to launch this spring.​​​

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Throughout her tenure, Suzanne’s leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication have touched every corner of Root for Kids. Whether meeting with donors, visiting with families, or checking in on the children at Caterpillar Clubhouse, Suzanne has always been a breath of fresh air—lighting up every room she enters and making everyone she meets feel valued and loved. Her presence has been nothing short of magical, and while she will be deeply missed, we wish her the very best in her next chapter.

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Greg Eberhard, who has served as Root for Kids’ CFO since 2015, will act as interim CEO during this transition period. Greg brings a wealth of financial and operational expertise and will work closely with staff and the board to ensure continued success as the organization seeks its next leader.​​

​Root for Kids remains committed to its mission of “promoting the success of children one family at a time” and will continue providing high-quality early childhood education, family support, and community programs that help over 1,000 children each year.

For updates on the leadership transition or more information about Root for Kids’ programs, visit www.rootforkids.org.

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