EP 53: CEO Kim Goll’s Leadership at First 5 Orange County

In this episode of ChamberTalk, we sit down with Kim Goll, CEO of First 5 Orange County, to discuss her 23-year journey with the organization and her passion for maximizing the potential of early childhood development.

Kim shares insights into how First 5 utilizes tobacco tax funding to support health and education initiatives for children under five in Orange County. She emphasizes the importance of accountability in public funding and details the use of the Early Developmental Index (EDI) to assess the readiness of young children entering kindergarten.

Kim talks about the significant challenges and opportunities facing First 5, including the decline in tobacco revenue and the innovative approaches they adopt to leverage data for public awareness and policy change. She shares anecdotal success stories, including partnerships with local healthcare providers to integrate behavioral health into pediatric care and the technical assistance projects designed to support and expand childcare providers.

The conversation also delves into Kim’s personal journey, her motivations, and what keeps her committed to First 5's mission amidst a landscape of changing public health needs and limited funding. This episode offers a compelling blend of professional insight and personal reflection, making it a must-listen for those interested in public health, early childhood education, and community collaboration.