SRCD Selects Advocacy and Public Policy Expert Kent Mitchell as Director for Policy
SRCD is excited to announce Kent Mitchell as our new Director for Policy. With 25 years of experience in public policy and nonprofit leadership, Kent brings a proven track record of advancing child and family outcomes through strategic advocacy and collaboration. His expertise will strengthen SRCD’s efforts to connect developmental science with evidence-based policymaking and champion initiatives that improve the lives of children and families nationwide.
Washington, D.C. – The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) is pleased to announce that Kent Mitchell will serve as the new Director for Policy. Mr. Mitchell joins SRCD with 25 years of experience in applying expert strategy, public policy and network leadership skills to guide nonprofits, philanthropies and public sector agencies to improve child, family and community outcomes. “We’re pleased to welcome Kent to the SRCD family,” said SRCD Executive Director, Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel. “Now more than ever, SRCD is focused on supporting our members with their efforts to advance evidence-based child and family policymaking. With his vast experience in public policy and nonprofits, Kent is well-suited to lead SRCD’s policy programs.”
Before joining SRCD, Mr. Mitchell served in strategy-driven roles which included leading 50-state government affairs for the National Head Start Association, stewarding a successful grassroots pre-K campaign on behalf of Early Learning Indiana, and launching a bipartisan campaign at the Pew Charitable Trusts to improve children’s access to dental care. Earlier in his career, he worked for Senator Edward M. Kennedy, advancing the Senator’s disability policy agenda and adopting the Senator’s rights-based approach to policy.
“I’m honored to serve as SRCD’s Director for Policy. I’m passionate about child development and excited to partner with our members to ensure their research-based insights inform national public policy affecting children and families,” said Kent Mitchell. “Together, we will advance sound child and social policy and advocate for essential science funding and professional development opportunities that support the next generation of scholars working across U.S. communities to improve children’s futures.”
Mr. Mitchell holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, with a concentration in nonprofit management. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Earlham College, where he studied Political Science and Journalism. He also holds additional certificates in congressional studies and organizing.
About SRCD
The Society for Research in Child Development is one of the world’s most prestigious and respected professional organizations in the field of child development. Founded by the National Academy of Sciences in 1933 as a multidisciplinary, not-for-profit, professional association, SRCD's membership consists of researchers, practitioners, and human development professionals from more than 60 countries. SRCD advances the developmental sciences and promotes the use of developmental research to improve human lives. This mission is achieved through a variety of programs, publications, and policy advocacy initiatives.