SouthSide Appoints New Executive Director and Welcomes New Board Members

ST. LOUIS, May 25, 2022 — SouthSide Early Childhood Center (SouthSide), which serves 260 children ages 6 weeks-5 years and their families annually, has appointed Jackie Weaver as its new Executive Director.

Jackie Weaver, Executive Director

Weaver brings a wealth of over 15 years of experience working with children in the city of St. Louis. Beginning her tenure at SouthSide in 2009, Weaver started as a classroom teacher, then transitioned to Program Director in 2015. In order to help meet the ongoing need for early childhood within the region, Weaver was appointed Area Director in 2020 and was an integral part in SouthSide’s preschool expansion, which almost doubled their original capacity from 140 children to 260 children. Weaver has also played an essential role in expanding SouthSide’s consulting work, which provides education and services for more families who otherwise would not have access to free, high-quality care. Since August of 2021, Weaver filled the role of Interim Executive Director.

“SouthSide has been serving the needs of families in South St. Louis City for over 130 years and is such a special and unique place.” Weaver said.  “I truly love SouthSide—the teachers, children, families, and everyone who makes up our SouthSide community. I am thrilled that I get the opportunity to lead this organization through continued growth for years to come”

Along with the appointment of Weaver, SouthSide also welcomed four new members to its board of directors (pictured left to right below): Matt Lodes, Senior Vice President Finance/CFO at ArchKey Solutions; Daniel Martinez, Director, Advisory Team Leadership at Buckingham Strategic Wealth; Savitha Narendra, Director, Strategic Planning, Accredo Specialty Pharmacy; and Cristy Skolfield, Community Volunteer.