DOVER, N.J. (Morris County) — Local officials, families, and community partners gathered Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of a newly renovated and expanded Head Start facility in Dover, now officially named the Susan O’Donnell Head Start Headquarters in honor of the recently retired executive director whose decade of leadership transformed early childhood education in Morris County.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 18 Thompson Avenue marked the completion of four new classrooms and major upgrades to the original Head Start location in the county. The event also commemorated the 60th anniversary of Head Start’s national founding, with Morris County having participated in the federal initiative since 1965.
“Today, we’re not just celebrating a beautifully renovated building; we’re honoring a legacy,” said County Commissioner Christine Myers, who presented a formal Resolution of Honor to O’Donnell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. “Susan didn’t just grow Head Start in Morris County — she elevated it. With people like her, there are no limits to what we deliver, not just for our children, but for future generations.”
During her ten-year tenure as executive director, which ended with her retirement in January 2025, O’Donnell oversaw a period of growth that saw enrollment double. She led critical facility expansions in Dover and Morris Plains, including the Robert C. Grant Center that opened in 2020 at 1 Medical Drive in Morris County Central Park. Both locations have since received five-star ratings from Grow NJ Kids — the only Head Start facilities in the state to achieve that distinction.
O’Donnell has also been a longtime advocate and volunteer in the community, serving since 2008 on the Morris County Youth Services Advisory Committee, which guides policy and funding for at-risk youth.
“The work of this organization begins and ends here for the past 60 years,” said O’Donnell during her remarks. “Every one of you has contributed to the success of Head Start. I’m so grateful and blessed to have had this opportunity for ten years — working with people I have grown to love, along with a Board of Directors that has been so supportive.”
Among those honoring O’Donnell were State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Dover Mayor James Dodd, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and U.S. Senator Andy Kim. County Administrator Deena Leary, Assistant Administrator Brian Murray, and Human Services Director Kasey Errico were also in attendance.
Bob Grant, longtime president of the Head Start Board of Trustees and namesake of the Morris Plains facility, emceed the ceremony. “Ten years ago, Head Start was going through a challenging period, and we knew we needed someone with the right vision to move us forward,” said Grant. “Susan elevated every aspect of this organization.”
The event also introduced Juan Fernandez as the new executive director. Previously the facilities manager during the Dover renovations, Fernandez presented O’Donnell with a card signed by children in the program and pledged to continue building on her legacy.
Founded in 1965, the mission of Head Start Community Program of Morris County is to partner with families to support child development and school readiness from prenatal through kindergarten ages for the community’s most vulnerable children. The organization currently serves 316 families at sites throughout the county.
For more information, visit headstartmc.org or call 973-989-5640.
