Rensselaer-based Appleseed Childhood Education announced the appointment of Anthony Butler as executive director.
Butler, a Rensselaer resident, is the first executive director of the Jasper County-based organization. Appleseed Childhood Education works to increase the availability of affordable childcare for Rensselaer and surrounding communities.
Butler brings education and community engagement experience to his new role. He previously worked as substitute teacher and instructional aid at Rensselaer Central Primary School. Butler also served as director of religious education at St. Augustine Catholic Church. He was bridge pastor at Range Line Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church. Butler also served as director of campus ministry at Saint Joseph's College.
Butler’s served as executive director of Dominican Volunteers USA and chairperson of the board of directors of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.
Butler earned a doctoral degree in ministry from Emory University and a master’s degree in theology from Catholic Theological Union. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Siena Heights University.
“I am excited to serve our community in this role and to build on the work Appleseed has begun,” Butler said in a press release. “It is truly remarkable to see our place support itself through Appleseed, and I am excited to build on our collective success.”
Prior to Butler’s start as executive director, a volunteer board of directors oversaw Appleseed's operations. Appleseed manages and funds Appletree Rensselaer, a licensed childcare center in Rensselaer.
“The addition of an executive director shows Appleseed’s ongoing commitment to our Appletree center and the community,” Zyan Miller, Appleseed president, said. “We are excited to have Dr. Butler lead Appleseed into its next phase of growth.”
Appleseed Childhood Education provides funding, partnerships and management for its 70-seat Appletree Rensselaer childcare facility. The organization is committed to expanding the number of childcare seats in Jasper County. Appleseed Childhood education advocates for rural childcare support.
