FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 | Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 11:45 a.m.)
Registration & Location: In-Person & Zoom. Registration: Free and Open to Everyone.
This FOCUS Forum FOCUS Forum was held in-person at One Group, with the option of virtual participation via Zoom.
Topic: FOCUS hosted a hybrid public forum where panelists explored what it takes to ensure young children in our community are healthy, supported, and ready to thrive. Panelists from the Early Childhood Alliance of Onondaga, which works to build a coordinated system of early childhood supports across Onondaga County, and Child Care Solutions, a local nonprofit that helps families find quality care and connects them to financial assistance and other resources, shared what they see working with local families every day, what resources are available, and what still needs to change. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moved to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and partnerships. FOCUS Forums are a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.
Language Access: FOCUS Forums are presented in English. Zoom provides optional, automated live captions and translation features that participants may choose to enable. These tools are generated by Zoom and are not professionally interpreted.
Panelists:
Bethany Creaser, Executive Director, Early Childhood Alliance, Onondaga, Inc.
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Bethany J. Creaser is the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA), Onondaga, Inc. Executive Director since 2023 where she works with partners and ECA staff on improving the early childhood system in Onondaga County. She oversees a multi-million dollar budget supporting multiple priority initiatives, engages in state and national policy conversations, and facilitates numerous stakeholder networks.
As a lifelong Syracuse, NY resident, Bethany has a deep understanding of the many challenges our community’s children and families face, from health care and education to child care and financial security. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a tireless, dedicated leader who is unwavering in her commitment to Onondaga County’s youngest residents.
Prior to joining the ECA, Onondaga, Bethany worked for Catholic Charities of Onondaga County (CCOC) for 15 years – her most recent role being the Clinical, Family, and Peer Support Services Program Officer providing programmatic and fiscal oversight for a diverse department offering mental health, peer support, parent education, and child welfare/prevention programs. Prior to her work at CCOC, she worked at The Salvation Army for 10 years as a program director for Barnabas Center for youth. She has a strong history of community leadership and presently serves on numerous boards and committees.
Shannon Gillen, Director of Program Operations and Data Management, Child Care Solutions