Michelle Kang

Michelle serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), where she leads nearly 55,000 members in advancing high-quality early learning. Leveraging her extensive business expertise and dedication to education, Michelle oversees initiatives that enhance educator support, quality standards, and professional growth within the field. Previously, Michelle was NAEYC’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and held significant leadership positions at Bright Horizons, spearheading strategic partnerships for family-supportive educational services. Her background as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrants informs her leadership style, emphasizing welcoming and accessible educational policies. In addition to her executive roles, Michelle is actively involved in volunteer work and mentorship, serving on various boards and contributing to initiatives that promote workforce development in education. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia, and Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. Michelle lives in Maryland with her family, continually inspired by the impact of early childhood education.