SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A local leader has been elected to the New England Head Start Association (NEHSA) Board of Directors. Nicole Blais, CEO of Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start, Inc. (HCS Head Start), has been elected to the Board of Directors of NEHSA, an organization dedicated t o advancing early childhood education programs throughout the region. NEHSA serves as a unifying voice for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across New England. With a mission to support and advocate for children, families, and staff, the organization has spent the last four decades strengthening early education programs throughout the region. West Springfield Public Library showcases artwork of students in transitional program Blais brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. Her journey with Head Start began in 1996 as the Parent Education and Support Specialist at HCS Head Start, where she was responsible for ensuring compliance with national standards and regulations related to parent engagement. Over the next decade, she became known for developing robust family engagement initiatives and representing the program at conferences both statewide and nationally. In 2012, Blais advanced to Director of Community Engagement, where she spent the next 10 years building strategic partnerships with local organizations, media, political leaders, and funding entities. Her leadership in that role positioned her as a respected figure in early childhood education advocacy. When longtime HCS Head Start CEO Janis Santos retired in 2021, Blais stepped into the top leadership role, guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. In addition to her local leadership, Blais has served multiple terms on the Massachusetts Head Start Association Board of Directors. Her recent election to NEHSA reflects her continued commitment to uplifting the Head Start mission across the region while ensuring that the needs of families in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield remain a priority. “Nicole’s dedication to early childhood education and community engagement has been evident throughout her career,” said a spokesperson for HCS Head Start. “Her election to the NEHSA board is a testament to her leadership, vision, and unwavering support for children and families.” Her new role on the NEHSA Board of Directors is expected to bring greater regional collaboration and visibility to the vital work happening at HCS Head Start and throughout Western Massachusetts. Local News Headlines Local Head Start CEO elected to New England board Driver injured in rollover crash in Conway New England makes strides towards affordable sustainable energy Belchertown raises flag to honor child abuse prevention WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less