Knowledge Learning Corporation : The KLC Story : Executive Team

Elanna S. Yalow, M.B.A., Ph.D.

Vice Chair of Knowledge Learning Corporation
Executive Vice President, Knowledge Universe
Elanna is a strategic resource for all KU businesses – both domestic and global – providing them with a depth of experience and knowledge of early childhood education. In this role, she focuses on domestic and global operations due diligence activities and develop a centralized content resources for the KU Global team. Elanna joined Knowledge Learning Corporation in 1989 to develop the company's employer-sponsored services division and most recently, lead the KinderCare Learning Centers business. She holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology and an M.B.A. from Stanford University and has contributed to numerous statewide and national curriculum development and assessment projects. She has written extensively on matters related to the education of young children and acts as a Company spokesperson for government affairs and public relations, representing KU as a leading expert in Early Childhood Education.

Jay Muskovich

Chief Financial Officer
Jay brings to KLC more than 30 years of financial and executive management experience with an extensive background in the retail industry. As CFO, he oversees all accounting and finance functions including internal and external financial reporting, financial planning, tax, internal audit, risk management, capital allocation, management reporting. Prior to joining KLC, Jay was CEO of Huffy Corporation, the nation’s second largest manufacturer of bicycles for the retail market. Prior to Huffy, he was CEO and Owner of DoublesSight Displays, LLC, an international manufacturer and distributor of dual display LCD monitors. Throughout his career Jay has focused on building great teams, developing strong customer relationships and implementing process improvements while overseeing day-to-day Finance, Operations, M&A, IT and Human Resources activities.

Donna Lesch

Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Donna Lesch joined Knowledge Learning Corporation in April 2007 as Executive Vice President, Human Resources (HR). Prior to joining KLC, Donna was executive vice president, Human Performance, at ACC-Capital Holdings. Prior to ACC-Capital, she was EVP of Human Performance at Westcorp. She holds her Bachelors degree in Psychology and a K-8 certificate from the University of Washington. She has extensive experience teaching highly gifted and special needs children prior to focusing her career in Human Resources.

John Sims

Executive Vice President and General Counsel
John R. Sims joined Knowledge Learning Corporation in August 2007 as Executive Vice President (EVP) and General Counsel. He brings to KLC more than 30 years of legal experience with an extensive background in the retail industry. John was most recently EVP and General Counsel at Albertsons, a Fortune 50 food and drug company, where he supervised the Law, Employee Relations and Government Affairs Department and the offices of the Corporate Secretary. As the Company's Chief Legal Compliance Officer, he also managed the Regulatory and Compliance Department. Prior to Albertsons, John was Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Federated Department Stores, Inc. (now known as "Macy's"). John received both his bachelor's degree and Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Missouri.

Miriam Liggett

Division Vice President – East
KinderCare Learning Centers
Miriam oversees eight regions covering 24 states and more than 20,000 employees. She is responsible for driving sales strategies focused on company initiatives to grow new and existing center enrollments, ensuring that our centers provide a quality learning and care environment and outstanding customer service while meeting all fiscal, regulatory and management objectives. Miriam provides leadership to her team in talent development and succession planning that results in a strong management infrastructure throughout the region.

Weldon Spangler

Division Vice President – West
KinderCare Learning Centers
Weldon oversees five regions covering 14 states and more than 15,000 employees. He is responsible for driving sales strategies focused on company initiatives to grow new and existing center enrollments, ensuring that our centers provide a quality learning and care environment and outstanding customer service while meeting all fiscal, regulatory and management objectives. Weldon has more than 20 years of experience in management of multi-unit retail operations. He was most recently Region Vice President of the Pacific Northwest Region for Starbucks, where he oversaw all aspects of management, including store operations for more than 600 retail outlets, regional marketing, human resources, and new and existing store development.

Jeff Slater

Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions
Jeff Slater leads acquisition assessment and integration activities working in coordination with Early Childhood Education field operations and corporate shared services departments. Prior to this position he was the Vice President of Corporate Finance. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Washington State University and has been with Knowledge Learning Corporation for more than nine years.