Rick Mockler has served as the Executive Director of the California Head Start Association since August, 2009.

A long-time advocate for at-risk children, he has led several associations addressing the needs of children, families and communities.  His training and experience is as a community organizer, legislative advocate, cohousing developer and association director.
 
Rick began his career in 1982 working with families of prison inmates, organizing and advocating for better visiting conditions to support the parent-child relationship.  Beginning in 1986, he developed a nationally recognized mediation program for Catholic Charities of the East Bay, serving youthful offenders and crime victims. 
 
From 1995 to 2005, he served as Executive Director for Catholic Charities of California, leading the provider network's response to federal welfare reform and the network's adaptation to systems of managed care.  He co-founded the Covering Kids & Families Statewide Coalition, expanding health insurance access and enrollment for low-income families.  He also led statewide initiatives to expand child care capacity in low income neighborhoods, advance environmental justice, and expand immigrant legalization services.
 
In 2006, Rick helped create CoHousing Partners, a community development firm creating sustainable neighborhoods designed to nurture children and families.  He served as the firm's Vice President.  He has also served on the boards of several regional, statewide and national associations addressing the needs of children and low-income families.
 
Mockler holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, MA focusing on liberation theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, and MPA focusing on organizational development from CSU East Bay.