Educational First Steps Names New Director
Educational First Steps (EFS) has named Van Sheets as its new executive director. EFS’ mission is to improve the availability of quality early childhood education for economically disadvantaged children.
He succeeds John Breitfeller, who is retiring from the position after leading the organization’s growth to serve 6,000 children daily across the D-FW region by helping child care centers raise their quality through becoming nationally accredited preschools.
“I’m looking forward to helping EFS further its mission to provide even more access for our youngest children to quality early childhood education, thus giving them a solid foundation that will help them reach their potential,” Sheets said.
Sheets has served as a CEO across diverse industries. He led dramatic growth of the international petrochemical company Rain Carbon, and led the national expansion of Yamas Controls. In addition, he co-founded companies in e-commerce and building technology, and served as a board member of early-stage companies in several industries.
“After interviewing many qualified people, we selected Van because of his passion for the organization, his background in educational endeavors, his successful business career leading multiple organizations and his relationships in the North Texas community,” said Brett Kirstein, EFS board chairman. “The fact that he has had an opportunity to learn about EFS by briefly serving as a board member is a plus.”
Sheets will be in attendance at EFS’ fifth annual One Childhood One Chance luncheon Nov. 17 at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
