Starting Point, the child care, early education and out-of-school time resource and referral agency for Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties, has appointed Nancy Mendez as the organization's new president and chief executive officer, effective May 3. 

Mendez has an impressive background as a leader in the human services field and brings a wealth of experience to her new role.  She comes to Starting Point from United Way of Greater Cleveland, where she was the vice president of community investment and chief community investment officer.  

Mendez will build on the legacy of founding executive director, Billie Osborne-Fears, who had led the agency since its founding 30 years ago.  

As the new leader of Starting Point, Mendez will lead the $12 million nonprofit organization's nationally-recognized, comprehensive child and youth development programs that have transformed the child care, preschool and out-of-school time landscape here and influenced programs throughout Ohio. 

Starting Point provides northeast Ohio's children and families access to high quality, convenient and affordable child care options; offers early childhood professionals new opportunities for training and education; and has launched numerous innovative programs to address community needs, such as universal prekindergarten, the Boys Project, the Special Needs Project and other initiatives.

 For more information, please visit www.starting-point.org.