Ellis Early Learning has announced the appointment of Jay Dave as its Chief Financial and Strategy Officer.

"Jay's expansive skillset and experience, combined with his passion and respect for early childhood education, are a tremendous asset for Ellis," said Ellis Early Learning CEO Lauren Cook. "Jay's new role is instrumental in advancing our mission at a pivotal time of growth for Ellis."

In this role, Dave leads all finance operations at Ellis and drives strategic growth initiatives for the organization, including establishing a new Center of Excellence for educators and launching a new Ellis Family Child Care Network.

"As I have learned more about Ellis, I have been deeply inspired by the exceptional work the team here does to support children and families," said Dave. "I am thrilled to join such a dedicated and diverse community."

Dave brings over 15 years of experience as a management consultant and business leader in five countries. Before joining Ellis, he was a leader in McKinsey & Company's Financial Services and Digital & AI practices, where he spent a decade advising client organizations on growth strategy, corporate finance, operations, mergers and acquisitions, and digital transformations.

Earlier in his career, Dave was a founding team member of a venture capital-funded real estate development startup and a key contributor to BMW's market entry in India. As treasurer of the Board of Directors at the Newtowne School in Cambridge, Dave led an initiative to revamp teacher salaries and played an instrumental role in helping the school introduce a new teaching fellowship program. He also developed and implemented an investment policy to strengthen the nonprofit preschool's long-term financial health.

A Cambridge resident, Dave holds an MBA from INSEAD in France, a post graduate degree in management from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Nirma Institute of Technology in India.

About Ellis Early Learning

Ellis Early Learning partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education programs in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in its field, Ellis supports children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasures diversity in all forms and celebrates the joy of childhood. For more information, visit www.EllisEarlyLearning.org.