AppleTree Welcomes Director of Development

We are thrilled to share that AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation announced the selection of Chris Aycock as the organization’s Director of Development. With a career primarily focused on independent school advancement, Aycock has led capital and annual campaign efforts, growing support for sustainable education that helps children and families thrive.

“AppleTree now serves more than 1,000 preschool and pre-K children in Washington, DC, and we are eager to scale our successful Every Child Ready framework beyond our own campuses,” said Chavaughn Brown, AppleTree Co-CEO. “With his development experience and insights into education, I’m confident that Chris will be a foundational part of AppleTree’s future success.”

Prior to joining AppleTree, Aycock served as Director of Institutional Advancement at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, where he led the growth of the major and sustaining giving programs, as well as expanding the advancement department to include a dedicated grants coordinator.

Aycock previously served as the Head of School at Ridgecroft School in North Carolina, where he used his background in development to enhance the campus’s technological offerings as well as renovate campus buildings. 

“I am so proud to be a part of the AppleTree family. Throughout my career in education, I have seen firsthand the importance of a strong educational background in young children,” said Aycock. “AppleTree has proven that they prepare children for their future by providing that solid foundation. I’m thrilled to know that my efforts will help this incredible mission.”

Aycock advanced through an extensive national search led in partnership with Good Insight, an award-winning, Washington, DC-based executive search firm with an exclusive focus on nonprofits, associations, and foundations. He began his new role on October 27.