NAEYC Names Kathy Charner as Editor in Chief

WASHINGTON—The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading professional organization for those working with and on behalf of young children from birth through age 8, has named Kathy Charner as its new Editor in Chief, Books and Related Resources.

Charner, who was previously the Editor in Chief of Gryphon House, will manage and oversee NAEYC’s book publishing program. NAEYC is a leading book publisher in the early childhood field, providing critical and timely books for NAEYC members and others who work with or on behalf of young children and their families. In this role she will identify, acquire, and shape print and digital projects to meet the needs of the early childhood educators.  

Before joining NAEYC, Charner spent 25 years at Gryphon House, where she developed the publishing program and worked with authors to create books that positively impacted the early childhood education field. As part of the management team, her responsibilities included acquiring manuscripts, developing and maintaining author relationships, maintaining book quality, and presenting at conferences nationwide.   

“We are delighted that Kathy is joining our staff,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, PhD, Executive Director of NAEYC. “Her vast and varied experiences and knowledge will enhance NAEYC’s books program in our efforts to provide early childhood educators with professional development resources that meet their needs.”

Prior to joining Gryphon House, Charner was a preschool teacher and educational researcher. Kathy Charner has a BA in Humanities from Binghamton University. She lives with her husband in Silver Spring, Maryland.