Lisa Downey
Title: Executive Director of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood
Dr. Lisa Downey is the Executive Director of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University (NLU), where she oversees all programming and operations for the Institute. In this role she oversees a team of over 70 staff dedicated to advancing the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) profession through leadership, applied research, community/policy engagement, and professional preparation. With over 35 years of experience in the field, Dr. Downey’s career includes roles as a toddler classroom teacher, child care center director, and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) administrator (including Director of Provider Services at Illinois Action for Children, where she managed CCR&R professional development for the greater Chicago area). She has been a faculty member at NLU for 16 years, focusing on preparing the next generation of ECEC professionals across Illinois and beyond. Aside from her current role, leadership roles at NLU include Coordinator of Early Childhood Practice, Director of Undergraduate Educator Preparation, and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Educator Preparation.
Dr. Downey has received the following awards and recognitions:
Excellence in Service and Engagement, NLU
Distinguished Teaching Award, NLU
Illinois Action for Children Bridge Builder Award
Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award Nominee
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Roosevelt University, 2000)
Master’s Degree in Education, Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy (National-Louis University, 2003)
Doctoral Degree in Education, Educational Leadership (National Louis University, 2019)
Research and Interests:
Today, Dr. Downey focuses on addressing the complex challenges facing the ECEC workforce, creating scalable solutions that support the profession and ensure children, families, and communities thrive now and in the future.
Contact Information:
Chicago Campus #843
18 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60603
312-261-3357
Lisa.Downey@nl.edu
