HAMLET — Dr. Katrina S. Chance has been included in Marquis Who’s Who.
As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected based on current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Chance has established herself as a distinguished leader in early childhood education and community development. As the executive director of the Richmond County Partnership for Children since 2019, she has been instrumental in overseeing budget allocations, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, managing childcare programs, and facilitating staff training.
Her role involves collaborating with community stakeholders to identify needs and improve service delivery in early childhood education. Additionally, she ensures compliance with the Division of Childhood and Development and maintains communication with the managing board of this nonprofit organization.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Chance served as the Head Start deputy director and director of family service, health and nutrition at Shine Early Learning from 2017 to 2019, during which time she played a pivotal role in enhancing early learning programs. From 2007 until 2016, she was the assistant director of a childcare resource and referral at Savannah Technical College, where she honed her skills in resource management and program development.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Chance served as the assistant director at Bright Horizons Family Solutions between 2003 and 2007 and as a Head Start family service coordinator at Monroe School District from 2000 to 2003. Previously, she was a prekindergarten teacher at Hunter Army Airfield for the U.S. Department of Defense from 1996 until 2000 and a family childcare provider between 1991 and 1995. Alongside these early positions, she served as a unit supply specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1990 to 1998.
Significantly contributing to Dr. Chance’s professional success was her extensive academic background. She began her educational endeavors with an Associate of Arts from Central Texas College in 1999, followed by a Bachelor of Science in social sciences with a specialty in human development from Washington State University in 2001.
She subsequently obtained a Master of Arts in organizational management from Ashford University in 2018 before earning a Doctor of Business Administration in organizational leadership from Walden University in 2021. Additionally, she completed an internship through Child Care Aware of America Leadership in 2011.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Chance is deeply engaged in civic leadership and community service. She has served as Board chair of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and currently leads as the Board chair of Richmond County United Way. From 2022 to 2023, she made history as the first African American woman to serve as president of the Rockingham Rotary Club — underscoring her role as a transformative leader and change agent in the community.
Dr. Chance is also affiliated with the National Association for Family Child Care and previously served as secretary for Crime Stoppers of Richmond County in 2021. She continues to promote equity and unity as the treasurer for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Richmond County, North Carolina.
Dr. Chance’s unwavering dedication to early childhood education and community development has earned her numerous accolades and fellowships. She is a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow and served as a Policy Fellow with the National Black Child Development Institute from 2021 to 2023. Her active engagement with organizations such as the Family Childcare & Center Enrichment Foundation and Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing positive outcomes for children and families.
