ECFC is pleased to announce the election of three continuing Steering Committee members to officer roles for 2026. At a time when the early childhood ecosystem is facing interconnected challenges—from child care and early learning to family economic security, health, and racial and economic justice—this leadership will help guide ECFC’s work and priorities in the year ahead.
As philanthropy navigates this moment, ECFC’s role remains clear: to support funders in learning together, aligning investments, and engaging in coordinated policy and funding strategies that strengthen the conditions young children and families need to thrive. The Steering Committee Officers play a critical role in stewarding this work and ensuring it remains grounded in equity, community voice, and the social determinants of child and family well-being.
The 2026 Steering Committee Officers are:
Chair
Eric Buchanan, Buffett Early Childhood Fund 
“I’m honored to serve as Chair of the Steering Committee and to work alongside ECFC staff and members as we build on the organization’s strong foundation and navigate what this moment calls for in support of young children and families.”
Vice Chair
Ann Marie Healy, Philadelphia Health Partnership 
“ECFC plays an essential role in connecting funders, deepening shared learning, and keeping equity at the center of our work. In this challenging and important moment for the early childhood field, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role and support ECFC’s efforts to strengthen systems for young children and families.”
Treasurer
RJ Martinez, LANL Foundation & New Mexico Early Childhood Funders Collaborative
“ECFC plays a critical role in aligning funders around what matters most for young children and families. As we look ahead, I’m excited to continue supporting work that centers equity, strengthens systems, and elevates community-driven solutions across the early childhood landscape.”
We are grateful to Eric, Ann Marie, and RJ for their continued service on the Steering Committee and for stepping into these officer roles. Their stewardship will support ECFC’s ongoing efforts to support the early childhood philanthropy field through shared learning, collaborative funding, and coordinated policy engagement—advancing early learning, child and family well-being, and racial and economic justice.