Dr. Hailey Heinz has been appointed to serve as the new division director for Policy, Research, and Quality Initiatives (PRQI) at the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD).
Dr. Heinz brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood research and policy in New Mexico, most recently serving as deputy director and senior research scientist at the University of New Mexico’s Cradle to Career Policy Institute (CCPI).
“Dr. Heinz has dedicated her career to understanding and improving the systems that serve New Mexico’s children and families,” said ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky. “Her deep research experience, commitment to equity, and ability to communicate complex information in accessible ways will strengthen ECECD’s efforts to deliver high-quality, data-informed services to communities across the state.”
Dana Bell, CCPI Director and Senior Research Scientist, praised Hailey’s appointment, “We are pleased that Hailey will be bringing to bear at the state level her commitment to research-based policymaking and her years of UNM CCPI experience working with the early childhood sector in New Mexico to increase knowledge about what improves outcomes for families and children. We look forward to supporting Hailey and ECECD in this important work as their continuing university-based partners.”
Since joining CCPI in 2013, Dr. Heinz has led numerous studies evaluating early childhood programs, including New Mexico’s Child Care Assistance program, home-based providers’ participation in the federal food program, and outcomes research for home visiting models like First Born and More. Her work emphasizes elevating family and community voices to inform policymaking and improve access to services.
“As a researcher, I’ve been thrilled to watch New Mexico take the lead on early childhood,” said Dr. Heinz. “When I attend national conferences, everyone wants to know how New Mexico is doing it. That kind of attention is new—and it’s exciting. I’m honored to now be part of that work.”
Dr. Heinz has also collaborated with ECECD as a writer and consultant for ECECD’s Emmy-winning web series, “The Early Show with Alax.” She holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of New Mexico, with a focus on public policy and American politics.
She is also the mother of two children, who were in their early childhood years when she began her research in the field—an experience that deepened her personal and professional commitment to the state’s early childhood systems.
Dr. Heinz will begin in her new role on August 18.
