In our employee spotlight series, we highlight some of the wonderful people who make Child Care Services Association (CCSA) a success. Meet Allison Miller, Senior Vice President of Compensation Initiatives and learn about her perspective of CCSA and how it has changed over the years.
As we celebrate our 50th year, learn about the profound impact of our staff’s commitment to CCSA and everyone we serve.
How long have you worked at Child Care Services Association?
Nearly 30 years.
What do you recall about the early days?
I started when we worked in a small office in Carrboro, NC. We’ve grown so much over time and I’ve been honored to be part of it. We’ve had amazing people work for CCSA throughout its history.
How has your job changed over the years?
When I first started at CCSA, I was hired as an administrative assistant and grew into different positions. I’ve been with WAGE$ since it started! I also got to be part of AWARD$ Plus from the beginning.
What has been your biggest achievement/success and CCSA’s greatest accomplishments?
I’m just proud to have been part of these salary supplement programs, which have had successful outcomes from the beginning. The fact that we have had the WAGE$ program since 1994, when I started, is remarkable. Hearing participants talk about how these programs make a difference in their lives is powerful.
From your perspective, what would you say are CCSA’s greatest accomplishments over the years?
CCSA always strives to meet the needs of the field and has done so much to accomplish that. We’ve done quality workforce studies and we’ve created innovative programs based on what we learned. I love being a part of programs that make a difference in the lives of recipients and that provide compensation to a deserving workforce.
What would you consider to be the biggest change in CCSA over the years?
In my opinion, there is not one change that stands out above the rest, except perhaps when our first and founding president retired after decades of leadership. We, as an agency, change to meet the needs of the early childhood field.
What’s your favorite part of the job? What excites you most?
My team energizes me! I consider my CCSA team to be my “work family.” They are truly amazing. We also get great feedback about the programs, and it really matters to do something that makes a positive difference.
What is one of your best memories of CCSA?
I have many wonderful memories tied to all the great people I’ve worked with over the years, but work-wise, I remember helping to get WAGE$ off the ground in our first county, Orange. It started as a single-county pilot and eventually grew, county by county, until it became a statewide opportunity. I remember sending those first checks!
What is your biggest hope for the next decade? In what ways do you expect to grow?
I hope that Child Care WAGE$® will not only be a statewide opportunity but will be truly funded in all 100 North Carolina counties. I believe that CCSA will continue to step up and meet needs where they exist.
What is one of your best memories of CCSA?
CCSA allows me to make a difference and to do so alongside dedicated, wonderful people.
“I’m just proud to have been part of these salary supplement programs, which have had successful outcomes from the beginning. The fact that we have had the WAGE$ program since 1994, when I started, is remarkable. Hearing participants talk about how these programs make a difference in their lives is powerful.”
-Allison Miller
SVP, Compensation Initiatives
