Meet TXAEYC’s New Executive Director

Welcome Dr. Mary Harper

Executive Director, TXAEYC

Dr. Mary Harper has joined the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children as Executive Director. With more than 25 years of experience across early childhood education, higher education, and statewide early learning systems, she has dedicated her career to strengthening the early childhood workforce and supporting the professionals who serve young children and families.

In the video below, Dr. Harper shares a brief introduction and reflects on the work ahead with the TXAEYC community.

Dr. Harper’s experience includes work in classrooms, higher education, and leadership roles within large publicly funded early learning organizations. Her work has focused on improving program quality, supporting educator preparation, and building systems that expand opportunity for children, families, and the professionals who serve them.

At TXAEYC, she looks forward to working alongside members, chapters, and partners across Texas to strengthen the association and continue advancing the early childhood profession.

A Letter to TXAEYC Members

As she begins her role as Executive Director, Dr. Harper would like to share the following message with the TXAEYC community.

Dear TXAEYC Members,

It is with deep gratitude and humility that I write to you as the newly appointed Executive Director of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC). I am honored by the trust placed in me by the Board of Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve the professionals, programs, and partners who dedicate their work to young children across Texas.

Throughout my career in early childhood education (as a teacher, administrator, researcher, and advocate), I have been continually reminded that the strength of our field lies in the collective commitment of its professionals. TXAEYC has long been a vital voice for that community. I approach this role with respect for the work that has come before and with a clear understanding that the future of this organization belongs to its members.

For that reason, the focus of this next chapter for TXAEYC is not about the priorities of any one individual. It is about advancing the vision of the Board of Directors and responding to the needs of the members we serve. At its core, TXAEYC is a professional membership association. Because of that, the guiding principle for our work moving forward is simple: members, members, members.

The Board has been clear that this moment represents an era of rebirth and redirection for our association. In the months ahead, we will be working intentionally to rebuild momentum, strengthen connections, and ensure that TXAEYC provides meaningful value to the diverse professionals and organizations who make up our early childhood community.

During this first year, several priorities will guide our efforts. We will begin by re-engaging our membership, local chapters, and statewide partners, strengthening the relationships that form the foundation of our association. We will also work to build stronger connections between members and chapters, ensuring that professional networks are active, supportive, and responsive to local needs.

Another important focus will be expanding membership across emerging and underrepresented sectors that serve young children and families. The early childhood ecosystem includes educators, childcare providers, administrators, higher education faculty, community organizations, and many others. Our association should reflect the full breadth of that community.

Equally important is our commitment to providing relevant services and supports that meet the needs of our diverse membership. As the field continues to evolve, TXAEYC must be a place where professionals find meaningful professional learning, shared expertise, and a strong collective voice.

Finally, we will continue to invest in high-quality professional learning opportunities, including a vibrant and impactful annual conference. These gatherings are essential for bringing our field together, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the professional identity of early childhood educators across the state.

This work will take collaboration, patience, and the continued commitment of our members. Over the coming months, I look forward to listening, learning, and engaging with many of you directly. Your insights, experiences, and perspectives will help shape the path forward for TXAEYC.

Thank you for the work you do every day on behalf of young children and families. It is a privilege to serve alongside you as we work together to strengthen our profession and advance early childhood education across Texas.

With gratitude and respect,

Mary Harper, PhD
Executive Director
Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC)