Hamden Resident Named Director of Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition

Robin Lamott Sparks of Hamden has joined the nonprofit organization Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition as the new Director of Policy and Research. 

She replaces Director of Research Barbara Edinberg, who has announced her retirement, which will begin at the end of the 2012. Edinberg will serve as the Director of Research Emeritus for the rest of this year while she and Sparks work together to ensure a seamless transition. 

Sparks brings extensive knowledge and experience in public policy, community relations, and communications to BCAC.  She has a long history of working in a variety of public policy areas and worked in Washington, DC for more than a decade. 

During her time in Washington, Lamott Sparks worked for Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, as well as at NASA and the FBI. 

Lamott Sparks has a Bachelor of Arts in history from Ball State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Syracuse University. Most recently, she served as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach and an Adjunct Faculty Member of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac University.

Jane Norgren, BCAC’s Board Chairwoman, says, “Barbara’s contribution to this organization and to the city over the last 27 years is truly immeasurable.  Our sadness at losing such a committed advocate is tempered only by our excitement in bringing Robin onboard.  Her depth of experience and energy for the issues will prove to be a great asset.” 

“I am thrilled to be joining such a significant organization and look forward to contributing to its continued success,” Lamott Sparks says. “Working with Barbara in the next few months will ensure that my transition is smooth and the critical work at BCAC continues uninterrupted.  I am very excited to be back working in the public policy and nonprofit arena on issues that are important to me.” 

Mary Pat Healy, BCAC’s Executive Director, added, “While Barbara’s departure is certainly a huge loss for BCAC and the advocacy community, we wish her all the best in her much-deserved retirement.  And, we are delighted to be working with Robin to continue pursuing positive systems change for Bridgeport’s children and their families."  

Lamott Sparks can be reached at 203.549.0075 or rsparks@bcacct.org 

About the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition

The Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition is a coalition of more than 80 organizations, parents, and other concerned individuals committed to improving the well-being of Bridgeport’s children through research, advocacy, community education and mobilization.

Founded in 1985 and incorporated in 2003, BCAC has achieved significant results in the critical areas of education, health care, and safety net issues. More information on the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition is available at its website: www.bcacct.org.