Krissa Harris named new director of Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon as Brenda Comini retires

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The High Desert Education Service District says it's pleased to announce the appointment of Krissa Harris as the new director of Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon, succeeding Brenda Comini, who is set to retire in June after seven years with HDESD and 37 years of service to children and families. 

The High Desert ESD provides the backbone staffing support and development team for the EL Hub of Central Oregon, according to Wednesday's announcement, which continues in full below:

Since 2017, Comini has been a pivotal force in advancing early learning initiatives across Central Oregon. Under her leadership, the Early Learning Hub has expanded vital services for young children and families, fostering critical partnerships to ensure access to quality education, health and family support programs.

"It has been an incredible journey, working alongside so many dedicated partners to create a strong early learning system for Central Oregon families. I am excited to welcome Krissa’s fresh energy and vision to this important work," said Comini.

Harris joins the Early Learning Hub with 19 years of experience in education and leadership, most recently serving as the director of High School Partnerships at Central Oregon Community College (COCC). Throughout her career, Harris has focused on student success, program development and building collaborative educational partnerships.

Although transitioning from higher education, Harris is deeply passionate about early learning. As a mother of three, she understands the vital role that early childhood education, health and family support services play in shaping a child's future.

"I am honored to take on this role and continue the impactful work of the Early Learning Hub," said Harris. "I look forward to connecting with the early learning team, our partner organizations and the families we serve. Together, we can build on the strong foundation that Brenda has established and explore new opportunities for growth."

Harris is eager to immerse herself in the early learning community, strengthen existing partnerships and help identify ways to expand access to resources for families and young children across Central Oregon.

To learn more about the Early Learning Hub and its programs, visit earlylearninghubco.org.

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About Early Learning Hub

The Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon is a regional cross-sector partnership working collectively to support parents and to establish a solid foundation for children’s long-term success. The Hub serves Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties and for mutually agreed upon strategies, The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Tribes). The purpose of the Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon is to create aligned and coordinated systems to address disparities in outcomes for children from prenatal through age 8, and ensure they receive the supports needed to be healthy and successful in school.

About HDESD

The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) is a public K-12 school district in Oregon that provides direct services to students and districts. HDESD also supports and links school districts in Central Oregon to state and national education resources. HDESD programs help districts minimize duplication of services, preserve their local budgets and receive special programs that might otherwise be unavailable to them.