Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced that she has appointed Alyssa Chatterjee as the Director of the Early Learning Division (ELD). In this role, Chatterjee will lead the agency responsible for supporting Oregon’s young children and families to learn and thrive. She will oversee the transition of the ELD into the new Department of Early Learning and Care on January 1, 2023.

“I am thrilled to name Alyssa Chatterjee as Director of the Early Learning Division,” said Governor Brown. “Alyssa led the development of my office’s early learning and child care policy, and had a key role in shaping policy and supporting the work of my Children’s Cabinet and the Racial Justice Council. She hit the ground running in May as acting director to continue our ongoing work with early learning and child care providers to ensure all children across Oregon can thrive and reach their full potential. I look forward to her continued leadership and collaboration.”

Chatterjee has focused on early learning policy throughout her time working for the State of Oregon. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office as deputy education policy advisor in August 2019, Chatterjee was among the first employees at ELD when the division was formally created. She served in a variety of roles at ELD, including as a policy advisor and legislative coordinator for the agency. As a member of ELD’s executive team, she helped guide the state’s early learning strategic planning process for the 5-year statewide early learning system plan, Raise Up Oregon. She has a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University.

Chatterjee had been serving as the acting director of ELD since May; her permanent appointment was effective August 1.

A photo of Chatterjee is available here.