Lauren Cook has served as Chief Executive Officer of Ellis Early Learning since 2018, leading a team of more than 120 professionals dedicated to providing high-quality early education, care, and family support to over 300 children annually across Boston. Under her leadership, Ellis has deepened its commitment to equitable access, innovation, and meaningful community engagement.

Lauren’s career in the nonprofit sector has been guided by a lifelong dedication to service and a focus on advancing the well-being and economic mobility of women and children. She brings extensive expertise in program development, organizational transformation, and strategic partnerships. Her leadership is rooted in building organizational capacity, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and driving measurable impact for vulnerable populations.

Prior to joining Ellis, Lauren served as Senior Executive Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, where she led program design, evaluation, and strategic partnerships across 11 clubs citywide. Earlier in her career, she served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, an experience that profoundly shaped her approach to community-driven and culturally-responsive leadership.

Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies with a minor in Spanish from Hamilton College and a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a graduate of Boston University’s Institute for Nonprofit Management and Leadership.