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Appleseed Childhood Education Welcomes First Executive Director

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Appleseed Childhood Education announced the appointment of Dr. Anthony Butler as its first Executive Director.

Butler, a resident of Rensselaer, is the first to serve as Executive Director for the Jasper County-based nonprofit organization focused on increasing the availability of affordable, quality child care for Rensselaer and surrounding communities. 

Butler brings a breadth of professional experience to the Executive Director position, with education and community engagement at the center of his work. He has served the Rensselaer Central Primary School as a substitute teacher and instructional aide and was previously the Director of Religious Education at St. Augustine Catholic Church. He served as a bridge pastor at Range Line Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church and was Director of Campus Ministry at Saint Joseph's College. 

Butler’s nonprofit experience includes serving as Executive Director of Dominican Volunteers USA and chairperson of the board of directors of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. He holds a Doctorate in Ministry from Emory University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Catholic Theological Union, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Siena Heights University.

Butler volunteers with Boy Scout Troop 152 and supports his two children’s activities in and out of school. 

“I am excited to serve our community in this role and to build on the work Appleseed has begun,” Butler said. “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 official start as Executive Director, Appleseed was run solely by a volunteer board of directors. Appleseed manages and funds Appletree Rensselaer, the only licensed child care center in Rensselaer. Appleseed is also a national leader in advocating for the essential importance of child care in rural communities.

“The addition of an Executive Director shows Appleseed’s ongoing commitment to our Appletree center and the community,” said Zyan Miller, president of Appleseed. “We are excited to have Butler lead Appleseed into its next phase of growth.”