Esther Kiesel. PROVIDED

Child Care of Southwest Florida has hired Esther Kiesel as its new director of development.

In this role, Kiesel is responsible for the development, implementation and achievement of philanthropic goals, as well as volunteer recruitment strategies and increasing brand awareness within the community. She also serves as the organization’s lead on the cultivation of relationships with current and potential sponsors, as well as individual donors.

For 23 years, Kiesel has served as a director of development. Most recently, she was the director of development for St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers for 18 years. She held the same position for the American Red Cross and Children’s Home Society of Florida prior to her time at St. Francis Xavier. Kiesel’s career began as a features reporter for Observer Newspapers in Fort Myers, where she has remained throughout her professional career.

“With her substantial experience, Esther is an amazing asset to our child care centers,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “We’re looking forward to the advancements that she will bring to not only our centers, but to the community surrounding us as well.”

Kiesel is an alumnus of Florida International University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus on public relations and marketing. Kiesel has served as a former YMCA Community Board member, a former United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Allocations Committee member and a former Lee County Planned Giving Board member.

About Child Care of Southwest Florida

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CCSWFL) is a nonprofit early childhood education provider with five learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 350 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. A United Way Partner Agency, CCSWFL’s mission is to strengthen and enhance the lives of children, as well as their families. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. All five CCSWFL locations have five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit ccswfl.org.

Source: Child Care of Southwest Florida