Knowledge Learning Corporation : The KLC Story : Executive Team

Elanna Yalow

President and Chief Operating Officer
Elanna Yalow, MBA, PhD, joined Knowledge Learning Corporation in 1989 to develop the company's employer-sponsored services division. Yalow holds a PhD in educational psychology and an MBA from Stanford University and has contributed to numerous statewide and national curriculum development and assessment projects. She also has written extensively on matters related to the education of young children.

John Hnanicek

Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Hnanicek joined the company in December 2006 and oversees all IT department activities. Prior to joining Knowledge Learning Corporation, Hnanicek was CEO of Paciolan, Inc., a well-established software company working in the niche ticketing solutions market. Prior to Paciolan, John was COO and CIO for eToys. In addition, he has experience with several national retailers including Hollywood Entertainment, OfficeMax, and Homeplace. Hnanicek holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Cleveland State University.

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.

Marcy Suntken

President, Knowledge Learning Corporation School Partnerships
Marcy Suntken has also served the company as vice president of operations, regional manager, district manager, and sales manager. Before joining Knowledge Learning Corporation, she worked as a marketing manager for ComPsych and Lutheran General Hospital.

Sharon Bergen

Senior Vice President, Education and Training
Sharon Bergen has more than 20 years experience in early childhood education and is a highly regarded speaker in the industry. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Child Care Association, National Association of Child Care Professionals, and the American Society of Training and Development.

Bill Robards

Senior Vice President, Real Estate Development
Bill Robards joined Knowledge Learning Corporation in December 2006. He is responsible for new center development. Robards formerly was division vice president, store development at Starbucks, where he played an important role in successfully leading significant initiatives that resulted in increased store performance and paved the way for more than 200 store openings a year. Prior to his tenure at Starbucks, Robards was vice president, real estate, for KinderCare Learning Centers.

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.