Kim Ptak oversees internal communications, media and public relations, promoting the importance of quality early learning and care and advancing the Start Early mission through thought leadership, strategic communication initiatives and employee engagement.

Before joining Start Early, Kim held various communication leadership positions during her 24-year tenure at McDonald’s Corporation. In her final role as director of public affairs, Kim managed issues and stakeholder engagement for initiatives related to the workforce, education and community relations.

Kim is an active member of her local PTA and former member of the PTA board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Northern Illinois University. Kim and her husband live in the western suburbs of Chicago, and they are the proud parents of two wonderful teenage boys.