Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center announces new Executive Director
Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center (HWCEC) is pleased to announce that Anna Cannon will serve as the Center’s new Executive Director.
Anna joins HWCEC after a 17-year career at the Economic Opportunity Agency (EOA) of Washington County, most recently serving as the director of Children’s Services where she led strategic and operational oversight of a state and federally funded early childhood education program serving 347 children and families across multiple locations. Anna began her career at EOA as a Head Start teacher before becoming a center director, a role in which she directed a team of 25 staff across two centers serving 100 children. As HR manager for EOA, Anna developed and implemented strategies to attract, train and support a diverse pool of applicants.
“Anna’s deep passion for early childhood education and her impressive background in both education and administration, make her uniquely qualified to lead HWCEC into its next chapter of excellence and innovation in early childhood education,” said Kristin Daniel, Chair of the HWCEC Board of Directors.
Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies/Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and is affiliated with multiple organizations that promote the health and well-being of children in Arkansas, including Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association and the Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Impact Center. In addition, Anna has completed numerous certifications and trainings including Infant/Toddler and Preschool Conscious Discipline Training, Equity in Early Childhood Training, and the Hudson Internal Coaching program.
“I am deeply honored to join the Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center, an organization whose legacy of excellence in early childhood education has set a powerful example for what is possible when we invest in our youngest learners,” said Anna. “Building on this strong foundation, I am committed to advancing a future where every child is not only prepared for school but inspired to reach their full potential — nurtured by the same spirit of innovation, compassion, and community that defines HWCEC.”
Anna replaces Michelle Barnes who served as Executive Director of HWCEC for 20 years until her retirement in October of 2024. Anna will begin as Executive Director on June 30.
About Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center
In 1981, the Northwest Arkansas community came together to address a pressing issue: the growing need for quality child care. Mrs. Helen R. Walton, with her visionary spirit, saw the profound impact that early education could have on families and the broader community. She rallied community leaders, provided financial support, and laid the foundation for what would become the Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center. Opening its doors in 1982, HWCEC set a new standard for childcare, grounded in Helen’s belief that children deserve the highest quality education and care from the very beginning. HWCEC now serves 240 children with a team of 70 dedicated staff members, delivering quality care and education that prepare children for lifelong learning. Visit hwcec.org to learn more.