On behalf of our members and staff, we are pleased to announce Michael Kehoe, Vice President of Finance at PCL Construction has been named the Board Chair of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC). Kehoe will serve a two-year term beginning February 2025. “Good childcare and early childhood education is the best way for our kids to get a head start in life, and is a big part of a young family’s overall wellness,” Kehoe said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to partner with other business leaders to advocate for parents and ensure every child in Colorado has the care they need.” Kehoe has been involved with EPIC since 2015. As Board Chair, he will lead the Board of Directors in raising awareness of the importance of early childcare and education, championing new policy solutions and providing tools and innovative strategies to help businesses support the development, recruitment and retention of employees. “On behalf of EPIC’s Board of Directors, members and staff, I’m eager to welcome Mike Kehoe as our new Board President,” said Nicole Riehl, President and CEO of EPIC. “Mike is the perfect leader to help usher EPIC into the next two years of growth with a keen eye for initiatives like our national expansion, a new membership framework and ongoing policy and advocacy. I look forward to his leadership and partnership as we work together to create family-friendly change for employers, employees and families.” Kehoe is a lifelong advocate for Colorado families. He served on the Mile High United Way Board of Trustees from 2016-2019, is the former Board Chair of Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado helping to lead their campus redevelopment program and served 19 seasons as a youth sports coach in Golden, Colorado. Learn more about our Board of Directors and how to become an EPIC member here.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ryan-Beiser-6.png500500Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-01-31 10:00:092025-06-12 14:35:03Solving Colorado’s Childcare Crisis Through Executive Advocacy: Michael Kehoe Named Board Chair of EPIC
As a nonprofit organization founded by business leaders to engage with the business community on childcare efforts, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) helps employers understand the childcare needs of their current and prospective workforce and identify and implement solutions that support their employees and their business. EPIC’s impartial resources and expertise help organizations to find the best way for business to support their employees and their bottom line. With industry partners and employers in many states expressing interest in EPIC’s work and services, the EPIC Board of Directors made a strategic decision to begin planning for expansion in 2023. After operating solely in Colorado for 15 years, EPIC is excited to announce the official launch of our collaboration with employers and business community partners in Arizona and New Hampshire in 2025. These two states were strategically selected to align with the Investing in America Childcare Partnership‘s goal of leveraging federal infrastructure funding efforts to enhance local childcare systems. Below are our latest developments in each state: NEW HAMPSHIRE: Through partnership and funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Couch Family Foundation, EPIC is launching two key projects in early 2025: Upper Valley (Lebanon) Employer Engagement: Conducting a series of workshops, modeled after our Design Lab, to help local businesses assess employee needs and develop targeted childcare solutions. Manchester Initiative: Collaborating with established childcare, community, and business leaders to identify employer engagement strategies. ARIZONA: A powerful coalition of state partners are motivated to work with EPIC in engaging the business community on childcare solutions in 2025 and beyond including: First Things First (FTF) Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Three regional United Way partners (Valley of the Sun, Tucson & Southern Arizona and Northern Arizona) These expansions represent valuable growth and learning opportunities, enhancing our capacity to serve communities both within Colorado and beyond. EPIC will share our progress and insights as these initiatives unfold. Learn more about our Workplace Support and Client Services.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ryan-Beiser-5.png500500Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-01-27 08:40:112025-06-12 14:35:02EPIC Expands Workforce Initiatives with Employers in Arizona and New Hampshire
In December 2024, EPIC partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the National Childcare Innovation Summit. This invite-only event, presented by the David and Laura Merage Foundation, brought together business leaders in Washington, D.C. for an intimate, engaging environment of workshops, panels, and networking—designed to turn inspiration into action in their own communities. On this episode of The Drop Off, we’re proud to share “How Providers & Employers Can Build Successful Relationships.” Hosted by Adam Alson of Appleseed Childhood Education, and featuring Ella Zander of Yellow Hen Childcare and Jennifer Knott of Access Early Education Foundation, the conversation sheds light on how to foster dialogue and partnership in each unique business environment. Anecdotes, insights, and useful information abound in this dynamic conversation among three leaders in the field. This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ep-22-Podcast-EPIC.png505505Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-01-22 14:47:412025-06-12 14:35:03Ep. 22: From the National Childcare Innovation Summit: How Providers & Employers Can Build Successful Relationships
As we reflect on an incredible 2024, we’re celebrating the achievements and milestone moments that defined the year. On behalf of the entire EPIC team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, policy makers, supporters and community partners who took action to create childcare solutions that benefit families, employees and communities everywhere. We’re excited to build on this momentum and see what 2025 has in store! Top EPIC Moments of 2024 Childcare Solutions at Denver International Airport In the spring of 2024, the Denver City Council approved a new phase of collaboration with EPIC to support Denver International Airport (DEN) in exploring childcare solutions for 40,000 badged airport employees. As DEN focuses on equity while expanding to serve 100 million passengers, the airport aims to eliminate barriers for individuals interested in employment. At the airport’s innovative Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation, drop-in care will be offered for workforce programming participants. EPIC will continue to support the development of broader childcare solutions at the airport into the future. 15th Annual Business Leaders Dinner In September, more than 275 of Colorado’s most influential business, government, philanthropic and community leaders came together to celebrate EPIC’s accomplishments and foster collaboration on advancing early childhood initiatives. The evening featured inspiring remarks from Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Mike Johnston, the presentation of the 2024 EPIC Award to Emeritus Board Member Brad Busse and the Early Childhood Champion Award to Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. Catalytic Funding EPIC received a transformational investment from Pivotal, a network of organizations founded by Melinda French Gates, enabling us to expand our capacity, grow into new states, and engage business leaders who recognize the importance of childcare benefits in attracting and retaining top talent today, while also investing in the workforce of tomorrow. This investment would not have been possible without the longstanding philanthropic support from the David and Laura Merage Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Buell Foundation, Colorado Gives Foundation, Mile High United Way, and other critical funders. We are grateful for the vision and commitment of our supporters. Read more about this investment. National Childcare Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action EPIC, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presented by the David and Laura Merage Foundation, hosted the National Childcare Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action in Washington, D.C. in December. The event brought together more than 200 business leaders from 38 states to discuss childcare solutions, strategies and the urgent actions needed to address our nation’s childcare crisis and secure its economic future. Launch of the Employer Childcare Navigator At this year’s summit, we debuted the Employer Childcare Navigator — a free, groundbreaking website designed to help businesses discover customized childcare solutions. Created in partnership between EPIC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this innovative tool provides employers with unbiased expertise and data-driven recommendations tailored to their unique needs. To help spread the word, we also rolled out a social media toolkit featuring ready-to-use content and assets for attendees […]
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MHR18273-e1734035402373.jpg00Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2024-12-31 09:00:152026-02-05 14:47:47Marking Another Year of EPIC Progress
By Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA Too many parents across the country face a persistent struggle to find affordable, accessible childcare for their children. While the challenge can feel very personal for families – forcing decisions between pursuing careers or staying home to care for their kids – the prevalence and scale of the struggle affects us all. When parents lack viable childcare options, they’re forced to leave or limit their time in the workforce. Employers then are challenged to find and retain the staff they need to sustain and expand their businesses, and our country continues to fall short of its full economic potential. According to a recent report, the U.S. economy is losing out on billions in economic output as a result of this challenge to find and implement solutions to our country’s childcare crisis. In communities across the country, YMCAs recognize the need to find solutions that work for families and businesses. We are partnering with others in the childcare ecosystem — government entities, community organizations and businesses — to develop innovative and sustainable approaches that work for everyone. Innovation in Action One example comes from the Treasure Valley Family YMCA in Boise, Idaho. The YMCA launched an early learning co-op model that brings together businesses and community organizations to collectively address the region’s childcare needs. This partnership ensures that families can access the care they need while creating a supportive infrastructure for working parents. Another example comes from the Granite YMCA in southern New Hampshire. The YMCA is part of the ReGen Valley Tech Hub, a consortium of more than 40 organizations working to support the area’s growing biofabrication sector. Backed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Granite YMCA is training childcare staff through an apprenticeship program and providing care for families employed in the region’s emerging industry. This forward-thinking approach not only supports economic growth but also ensures parents can take advantage of new employment opportunities in the area. And recently, the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South announced a groundbreaking partnership with Ford Motor Company to create a new Early Learning Center near Ford’s electric vehicle manufacturing campus in West Tennessee. This center will provide care for children ages six weeks to five years, as well as before- and after-school and summer programs tailored to the schedules of working families. Building a Brighter Future These are just a few examples of how YMCAs are partnering across sectors to address childcare challenges in our communities. The Y’s commitment to families is unwavering, and we will continue seeking opportunities to create needed care options for caregivers and advocating for increased attention and resources to address our country’s childcare crisis. When families have access to high-quality care, children thrive, families can plan for their financial futures and business can access the workforce they need to succeed. The Y is and always will be a trusted practitioner, partner and advocate focused on delivering these positive outcomes for […]
Solving Colorado’s Childcare Crisis Through Executive Advocacy: Michael Kehoe Named Board Chair of EPIC
/in NewsOn behalf of our members and staff, we are pleased to announce Michael Kehoe, Vice President of Finance at PCL Construction has been named the Board Chair of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC). Kehoe will serve a two-year term beginning February 2025. “Good childcare and early childhood education is the best way for our kids to get a head start in life, and is a big part of a young family’s overall wellness,” Kehoe said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to partner with other business leaders to advocate for parents and ensure every child in Colorado has the care they need.” Kehoe has been involved with EPIC since 2015. As Board Chair, he will lead the Board of Directors in raising awareness of the importance of early childcare and education, championing new policy solutions and providing tools and innovative strategies to help businesses support the development, recruitment and retention of employees. “On behalf of EPIC’s Board of Directors, members and staff, I’m eager to welcome Mike Kehoe as our new Board President,” said Nicole Riehl, President and CEO of EPIC. “Mike is the perfect leader to help usher EPIC into the next two years of growth with a keen eye for initiatives like our national expansion, a new membership framework and ongoing policy and advocacy. I look forward to his leadership and partnership as we work together to create family-friendly change for employers, employees and families.” Kehoe is a lifelong advocate for Colorado families. He served on the Mile High United Way Board of Trustees from 2016-2019, is the former Board Chair of Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado helping to lead their campus redevelopment program and served 19 seasons as a youth sports coach in Golden, Colorado. Learn more about our Board of Directors and how to become an EPIC member here.
EPIC Expands Workforce Initiatives with Employers in Arizona and New Hampshire
/in NewsAs a nonprofit organization founded by business leaders to engage with the business community on childcare efforts, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) helps employers understand the childcare needs of their current and prospective workforce and identify and implement solutions that support their employees and their business. EPIC’s impartial resources and expertise help organizations to find the best way for business to support their employees and their bottom line. With industry partners and employers in many states expressing interest in EPIC’s work and services, the EPIC Board of Directors made a strategic decision to begin planning for expansion in 2023. After operating solely in Colorado for 15 years, EPIC is excited to announce the official launch of our collaboration with employers and business community partners in Arizona and New Hampshire in 2025. These two states were strategically selected to align with the Investing in America Childcare Partnership‘s goal of leveraging federal infrastructure funding efforts to enhance local childcare systems. Below are our latest developments in each state: NEW HAMPSHIRE: Through partnership and funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Couch Family Foundation, EPIC is launching two key projects in early 2025: Upper Valley (Lebanon) Employer Engagement: Conducting a series of workshops, modeled after our Design Lab, to help local businesses assess employee needs and develop targeted childcare solutions. Manchester Initiative: Collaborating with established childcare, community, and business leaders to identify employer engagement strategies. ARIZONA: A powerful coalition of state partners are motivated to work with EPIC in engaging the business community on childcare solutions in 2025 and beyond including: First Things First (FTF) Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Three regional United Way partners (Valley of the Sun, Tucson & Southern Arizona and Northern Arizona) These expansions represent valuable growth and learning opportunities, enhancing our capacity to serve communities both within Colorado and beyond. EPIC will share our progress and insights as these initiatives unfold. Learn more about our Workplace Support and Client Services.
Ep. 22: From the National Childcare Innovation Summit: How Providers & Employers Can Build Successful Relationships
/in News, PodcastsIn December 2024, EPIC partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the National Childcare Innovation Summit. This invite-only event, presented by the David and Laura Merage Foundation, brought together business leaders in Washington, D.C. for an intimate, engaging environment of workshops, panels, and networking—designed to turn inspiration into action in their own communities. On this episode of The Drop Off, we’re proud to share “How Providers & Employers Can Build Successful Relationships.” Hosted by Adam Alson of Appleseed Childhood Education, and featuring Ella Zander of Yellow Hen Childcare and Jennifer Knott of Access Early Education Foundation, the conversation sheds light on how to foster dialogue and partnership in each unique business environment. Anecdotes, insights, and useful information abound in this dynamic conversation among three leaders in the field. This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.
Marking Another Year of EPIC Progress
/in Blog, NewsAs we reflect on an incredible 2024, we’re celebrating the achievements and milestone moments that defined the year. On behalf of the entire EPIC team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, policy makers, supporters and community partners who took action to create childcare solutions that benefit families, employees and communities everywhere. We’re excited to build on this momentum and see what 2025 has in store! Top EPIC Moments of 2024 Childcare Solutions at Denver International Airport In the spring of 2024, the Denver City Council approved a new phase of collaboration with EPIC to support Denver International Airport (DEN) in exploring childcare solutions for 40,000 badged airport employees. As DEN focuses on equity while expanding to serve 100 million passengers, the airport aims to eliminate barriers for individuals interested in employment. At the airport’s innovative Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation, drop-in care will be offered for workforce programming participants. EPIC will continue to support the development of broader childcare solutions at the airport into the future. 15th Annual Business Leaders Dinner In September, more than 275 of Colorado’s most influential business, government, philanthropic and community leaders came together to celebrate EPIC’s accomplishments and foster collaboration on advancing early childhood initiatives. The evening featured inspiring remarks from Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Mike Johnston, the presentation of the 2024 EPIC Award to Emeritus Board Member Brad Busse and the Early Childhood Champion Award to Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. Catalytic Funding EPIC received a transformational investment from Pivotal, a network of organizations founded by Melinda French Gates, enabling us to expand our capacity, grow into new states, and engage business leaders who recognize the importance of childcare benefits in attracting and retaining top talent today, while also investing in the workforce of tomorrow. This investment would not have been possible without the longstanding philanthropic support from the David and Laura Merage Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Buell Foundation, Colorado Gives Foundation, Mile High United Way, and other critical funders. We are grateful for the vision and commitment of our supporters. Read more about this investment. National Childcare Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action EPIC, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presented by the David and Laura Merage Foundation, hosted the National Childcare Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action in Washington, D.C. in December. The event brought together more than 200 business leaders from 38 states to discuss childcare solutions, strategies and the urgent actions needed to address our nation’s childcare crisis and secure its economic future. Launch of the Employer Childcare Navigator At this year’s summit, we debuted the Employer Childcare Navigator — a free, groundbreaking website designed to help businesses discover customized childcare solutions. Created in partnership between EPIC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this innovative tool provides employers with unbiased expertise and data-driven recommendations tailored to their unique needs. To help spread the word, we also rolled out a social media toolkit featuring ready-to-use content and assets for attendees […]
Addressing America’s Childcare Crisis: The YMCA’s Innovation in Action
/in NewsBy Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA Too many parents across the country face a persistent struggle to find affordable, accessible childcare for their children. While the challenge can feel very personal for families – forcing decisions between pursuing careers or staying home to care for their kids – the prevalence and scale of the struggle affects us all. When parents lack viable childcare options, they’re forced to leave or limit their time in the workforce. Employers then are challenged to find and retain the staff they need to sustain and expand their businesses, and our country continues to fall short of its full economic potential. According to a recent report, the U.S. economy is losing out on billions in economic output as a result of this challenge to find and implement solutions to our country’s childcare crisis. In communities across the country, YMCAs recognize the need to find solutions that work for families and businesses. We are partnering with others in the childcare ecosystem — government entities, community organizations and businesses — to develop innovative and sustainable approaches that work for everyone. Innovation in Action One example comes from the Treasure Valley Family YMCA in Boise, Idaho. The YMCA launched an early learning co-op model that brings together businesses and community organizations to collectively address the region’s childcare needs. This partnership ensures that families can access the care they need while creating a supportive infrastructure for working parents. Another example comes from the Granite YMCA in southern New Hampshire. The YMCA is part of the ReGen Valley Tech Hub, a consortium of more than 40 organizations working to support the area’s growing biofabrication sector. Backed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Granite YMCA is training childcare staff through an apprenticeship program and providing care for families employed in the region’s emerging industry. This forward-thinking approach not only supports economic growth but also ensures parents can take advantage of new employment opportunities in the area. And recently, the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South announced a groundbreaking partnership with Ford Motor Company to create a new Early Learning Center near Ford’s electric vehicle manufacturing campus in West Tennessee. This center will provide care for children ages six weeks to five years, as well as before- and after-school and summer programs tailored to the schedules of working families. Building a Brighter Future These are just a few examples of how YMCAs are partnering across sectors to address childcare challenges in our communities. The Y’s commitment to families is unwavering, and we will continue seeking opportunities to create needed care options for caregivers and advocating for increased attention and resources to address our country’s childcare crisis. When families have access to high-quality care, children thrive, families can plan for their financial futures and business can access the workforce they need to succeed. The Y is and always will be a trusted practitioner, partner and advocate focused on delivering these positive outcomes for […]