OEC names Michelle Cook as ombudsman, introduces COO and hears homelessness council update

The commissioner announced that Michelle Cook will serve as OEC's ombudsman, a position intended to help families and contractors raise concerns and seek resolution across home visiting, birth‑to‑3, licensing and Head Start programs. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity, to be the OEC's first ombudsman," Michelle Cook said, adding she will share contact information in the meeting chat and develop the role collaboratively.

The commissioner also introduced Sam Reinstein as the new chief operating officer at OEC, noting Reinstein's prior work at the federal Administration for Children and Families and her focus on internal operations to better serve children, families and providers.

Dr. Hanks and Sonia Jelks (Department of Housing) briefed the cabinet on legislation that codified the Interagency Council on Homelessness. Sonia Jelks described a year‑and‑a‑half process to align state agencies, implement work groups focused on housing development and specialized housing for populations with substance‑use or mental‑health needs, and to improve HMIS data flows. Jelks said the council will convene under the new law in October and that appointments from legislative leaders are pending; she added there is currently no fiscal note attached to the council's work.

Ken Taylor of Shine Early Learning said Shine is finalizing subcontract language with local governing partners and will begin additional meetings with LGPs in the coming weeks.

Administrative note: at the start of the meeting the lieutenant governor moved to approve the March 26 minutes; Holly Williams seconded and the minutes were approved by voice vote.

(Reporting based on announcements and presentations to the Early Childhood Cabinet.)