Marcia Bacon Appointed New CEO of Richland County First Steps

Columbia, SC- July 10, 2018 – Richland County First Steps to School Readiness (RCFS) has announced the appointment of Marcia Bacon as their new CEO. She assumed responsibilities on July 1, 2018 and succeeding Rick Noble, who has retired after 19 years with the early childhood nonprofit organization.

Bacon has been part of the Richland County First Steps team for 14 years as Director of Care and Early Learning. Previously Bacon taught middle school reading and math, and she worked in Presbyterian churches in Christian Education. She came to RCFS after a successful tenure as Director of the highly-rated Shandon Presbyterian Child Development Center. It was there that she first connected with RCFS as a recipient of an equipment grant and technical assistance services during RCFS’ early years. She then became a First Steps champion and advocate for improved technical assistance support and “coaching” for the child care community.

Bacon is committed to the mission of RCFS: “The first three years of a child’s life are foundational for school success. We work hard to inspire parents and teachers to make those first years so enriching and engaging that children can’t help but be ready for school.”

RCFS Partnership Board Chair Penny Dininny said, “We are excited about the future of RCFS with Marcia Bacon in the CEO seat. With her background in quality early care and education and her commitment to excellence, we can’t think of anyone who we would rather see lead this organization into the future.”

About Richland County First Steps to School Readiness:

Richland County First Steps to School Readiness is one of 46 county-level partnerships created by the SC General Assembly in 2000 to improve educational outcomes in SC by increasing support and services for young children and their families. It is led a Partnership Board with representatives from business, education, and community organizations.