Avo Makdessian

Avo Makdessian is an accomplished leader in early childhood policy and community partnerships, currently serving as Executive Director for both the First 5 Association of California and the First 5 Center for Children's Policy since August 2022. Prior experience includes roles as Vice President of Community Partnerships & Learning at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation from April 2014 to August 2022, and Policy Director at FIRST 5 Santa Clara County from September 2008 to April 2014. Avo also held the position of Principal Consultant at Avedis Consulting Group from August 2006 to September 2008 and served as Director of Education and Neighborhood Services for the City of San Jose between October 1999 and August 2006. Avo holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from San Jose State University.