On May 12, 2019 the TCG Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation of the Succession Committee, a joint committee of the TCG and CDCPS Boards, to appoint Maria Gonzalez Moeller the next Chief Executive Officer of The Community Group.

Maria, who has 25 years of experience in multiple areas of the organization, replaces Sheila Balboni who retired after more than 40 years of outstanding leadership and led the growth of the organization to what it is today.

Maria's experience within the organization, most recently as the Deputy Executive Director of Child Care and Child Care Services, makes her an incredible fit as she is familiar with most aspects of the organization's work. In addition, her committee work with other local child and family organizations makes her an integral part of the larger Lawrence community.

The five-month search process included interviews with leadership team members, consultants from the broader community familiar with TCG, a survey of staff and Board members, and outreach to the educational community about the upcoming opening. The committee interviewed both internal and external candidates, all with strong backgrounds in child-focused education.

"The boards and staff look forward to seeing where Maria's vision and spirit will take the organization," said TCG Board President Lucy Hulse. "We also are forever grateful to Sheila Balboni for what she accomplished for the greater Lawrence community and the positive impact her leadership has had on generations of Lawrence children."