As Pamela Day prepares to term off the Maine Children’s Alliance Board of Directors this December, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the many ways she has shaped and strengthened our organization.

 

Pam has brought to MCA what she has brought to the field of child welfare for more than 40 years: wisdom, steadiness, rigor, and an unwavering commitment to improving systems for children and families. Her career has spanned direct practice, supervision, program leadership, training, teaching, writing, and national consultation, always grounded in family-centered and strengths-based approaches. Her experience leading and advising major national child welfare initiatives, including work with the Children’s Bureau, Child Welfare Information Gateway, the National Resource Center for In-Home Services, and the Child Welfare League of America, reflects the depth of expertise she has generously shared with us.

 

During her years on MCA’s board, including her service as Board Chair and now as Board Secretary, Pam has helped guide the organization through some of its most important planning and governance work. She has been a thoughtful and principled leader in our race equity planning, bringing both humility and clarity to conversations that require deep listening, honesty, and commitment. She has also helped shape our strategic planning, ensuring that MCA remains focused on our mission, accountable to Maine children and families, and prepared to meet the challenges ahead.

 

Pam’s leadership on the Governance Committee has been especially meaningful. She has understood that strong boards do not happen by accident. They are built through care, reflection, relationships, and intentional recruitment. Pam has helped MCA think carefully about who is at the table, what perspectives are needed, and how board service can strengthen the organization’s ability to advocate for all Maine children.

 

What I appreciate most about Pam is not only the breadth of her professional experience, but the way she offers it: thoughtfully, generously, and always in service of the mission. She listens carefully. She asks the questions that help us get better. She brings historical perspective without ever losing sight of the future we are trying to build.

 

On behalf of Maine Children’s Alliance, I want to thank Pam for her years of dedicated service, her leadership, and her deep commitment to children, families, equity, and good governance. We are a stronger organization because of her.

 

-Ashleigh Barker, MCA Executive Director