Camp Fire First Texas has promoted Yolanda Willis to Associate Vice President of Early Education Workforce Development. Willis previously served as Director of the Camp Fire Early Education Apprenticeship Program since December 2022, where she has been instrumental in expanding apprenticeship opportunities and strengthening workforce pathways for early childhood educators across North Texas.
In her new role, Willis will lead strategic initiatives that advance the organization’s vision for a unified approach to workforce development, ensuring early educators gain access to training, credentials, and professional growth opportunities that improve the quality of early learning programs statewide.
“Yolanda’s leadership has elevated our apprenticeship program to a model recognized across Texas and beyond,” said Brian Miller, President/CEO of Camp Fire First Texas. “Her deep understanding of workforce systems, combined with her passion for empowering educators, aligns perfectly with our strategic priority of creating sustainable, high-impact pathways for the early education field.”
Willis joined Camp Fire First Texas in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, workforce development, and community engagement. Under her leadership, the Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) has grown to include partnerships with higher education institutions, workforce boards, and more than 40 child care centers across multiple counties. She manages a $1.3 million program budget and ensures compliance with the Texas Workforce Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, and other funding partners.
“I am honored to continue serving the early education workforce in this expanded role,” Willis said. “Our work at Camp Fire goes beyond professional development—it’s about creating equitable systems that value and support the essential educators shaping children’s earliest learning experiences. I’m excited to build on our momentum and continue advancing innovation and collaboration in this critical field.”
Before joining Camp Fire, Willis served in leadership roles at Texas A&M University-Commerce and Dallas Independent School District, where she developed student and community engagement initiatives and led early learning programs. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce, with Graduate Studies in Early Childhood Education also completed at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University.
The Camp Fire Early Education Apprenticeship Program, which Willis directs, was recognized by Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas as the Workforce Champion of the Year for its innovative approach to educator training and career advancement. Willis has also served as a national panelist and presenter at multiple early childhood and apprenticeship convenings, sharing insights on sustainable workforce pipelines and educator success.
Willis remains deeply engaged in professional and community service. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Early Learning Alliance and Tarrant County College Child Development Program, an Appointed Board Member for the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, a Member of the Black Child Development Institute, a Member of Tarrant County Community Partners, and a Member of the Child Care Associates Research Study Advisory Council.
