Down East Partnership for Children Announces Ashleigh Arsenault as New Executive Director
Down East Partnership for Children Announces Ashleigh Arsenault as New Executive Director
Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC) is pleased to announce Ashleigh Arsenault, M.Ed., as its new Executive Director, effective Nov. 2, 2026. Arsenault brings 15 years of experience in early childhood education, program leadership, and nonprofit management to the role as she leads the organization’s continued work to support children and families in Nash and Edgecombe counties.
DEPC Board Chair Dr. Trent Mohrbutter welcomes Arsenault and expressed enthusiasm for the organization’s next chapter.
“Please join me in welcoming Ashleigh as DEPC’s new Executive Director,” Mohrbutter said. “We’re excited about the fresh perspective and energy she will bring to our work supporting children and families. Our Board looks forward to working alongside Ashleigh, our dedicated staff, and our community partners to build on DEPC’s strong foundation and continue making a meaningful difference.”
Arsenault began her career working directly with young children in the classroom before advancing into leadership positions, including serving as a Child Development Center Director for Navy Child and Youth Programs. Her experience at both the classroom and administrative levels has provided her with a firsthand understanding of the needs of children, families, and early childhood educators.
Most recently, Arsenault served as Implementation and Fidelity Manager with Southwestern Child Development Commission, supporting early childhood programs and services across 37 counties in western North Carolina. Previously, she served as Early Care and Education Manager at Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families, where she collaborated with educators, community partners, and local organizations to strengthen early childhood programs throughout northeastern North Carolina.
Arsenault holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University, where she graduated magna cum laude.
“I’m truly honored and excited to join Down East Partnership for Children as its next Executive Director,” Arsenault said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the board, staff, and community partners who are so dedicated to making a difference. DEPC has a wonderful history of supporting children and families in Nash and Edgecombe counties, and I’m excited to build on that foundation, explore new opportunities, and see what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”
Arsenault joins DEPC as the organization continues its longstanding commitment to strengthening the early childhood system and creating opportunities for children to thrive. Through collaboration with families, schools, community organizations, and other partners, DEPC works to ensure children have the support they need to enter school ready to learn and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Her appointment marks a new chapter for DEPC as it builds on more than three decades of community partnership. Arsenault succeeds Henrietta Zalkind, who is retiring after more than 33 years of leadership and service to DEPC and continues working toward its mission of launching every child as a healthy, lifelong learner by the end of the third grade.