Rising to the Challenge
Cheryl Hamilton has made a meaningful difference in the lives of her colleagues as well as countless children and families. As she looks back on her time at EOCF, she reflects on her many achievements before stepping into retirement.
After relocating from New Hampshire to the PNW in 1999 with her spouse (who was recruited to Portland for employment), their 3-year-old son, and two Old English Sheepdogs, Cheryl began looking for a job in the nonprofit sector.. She was hired as a Parent Involvement Assistant at EOCF in 2000 and quickly worked her way up through the ranks, from HR Assistant to HR Coordinator, HR Manager, and HR Administrator. In 2018, she became Director of Human Resources and most recently culminated her 25-year career by assuming the role of Chief People and Culture Officer.
Do you have any funny or heartwarming stories from your time working here that stand out?
There are many for sure…Sleeping at the hotel across from Mill Plain Admin when working on the Head Start DRS grant so that we could get up at 3am, after a good, few hours of sleep, to complete the final review of the grant and submit by 8 am PNW time.
We celebrate Cheryl after 25 years at EOCF
Most Memorable Moments
“Within a couple of weeks of my start date, I participated in a focus group for the agency’s Head Start review. Quickly learning ‘on the fly’ what it meant to be a Head Start grantee, what those performance standards were all about, and the important role of Policy Council and parents in a Head Start organization.”
Cheryl says that getting to help the community learn about ‘its best-kept secret’ over the years, as the organization’s name changed from the Economic Opportunity Committee (EOC) to Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (EOCF), was unforgettable. She looks back on some of her favorite career highlights, including working with the Board of Directors and Policy Councils. ‘These folks are volunteers. Their dedication and the personal support I received have been priceless to me and crucial to the ongoing existence and growth of EOCF.’ She also fondly recalls working with the EMT on the 5-year DRS grant, saying, ‘Those involved, need I say more?’
Over the years, there have been challenging times, but Cheryl emphasizes that through it all, EOCF has persevered. ‘I must mention COVID and EOCF’s survival during this extremely challenging period. EOCF’s commitment to staff, children, and families was clear, we did whatever was necessary to keep staff whole and able to provide services. Creativity and pivoting at its best. Good gosh, there are so many memorable moments. Thank you to all who contributed to them.’ Some of Cheryl’s other career highlights include expanding the agency’s staff benefits to include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), supplemental benefits, medical plan choices, and everything wellness. She is also proud of increasing staff development opportunities and supporting staff in successfully completing their education goals.
Looking Back
What has been the most rewarding part of working in HR at EOCF?
“The ability to bring people together in the spirit of what is best for all – EOCF, staff, children and families. I borrow from a trusted colleague whom says it best ‘partnering to support a team of humans to be the best they can.'”
EOCF Color Their Worlds Gala & Auction 2024
Cheryl receiving the Alan Ham Early Learning Champions Award in May 2021 for her leadership and service to the early learning community with her commitment of personal and professional time, talent and treasure.
Time to Celebrate Cheryl!
EOCF staff recently organized a surprise retirement celebration at The Innovation Center in Vancouver, bringing together many members of the EOCF community to honor Cheryl’s remarkable career and wish her well as she embarks on the next chapter.
Cheryl with EOCF Board Members Past and Present
Cheryl with EOCF Executive Management Team
EOCF Staff in disguise. Anyone recognize them?
Leading by example…in fun AND in business
The future’s so bright, Cheryl’s gotta wear $hades.
What are Cheryl’s plans for retirement? “To Live my best life…”
My sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you no matter how long or short we have known each other/worked together. You have accepted me into this community, shortcomings and all, and together we have made a difference in some way to make a difference to each other, to staff, to children and families, to EOCF and to the community. You all are STARS!
Slainte,
(pronunciation – Slawn-like lawn with an ‘s’- accent on the slawn – then CHA -Slawncha)
~cheryl
