EASTON, MD – Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers is pleased to welcome four accomplished community leaders to its Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 year. Bringing expertise in education, finance, nonprofit leadership, community service, and advocacy, these individuals will help guide the organization as it continues its mission of providing high-quality, affordable childcare and early education to families across Maryland’s Mid-Shore.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Diane, Lisa, and Susan to the Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Cristy Morrell. “Each brings unique talents, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to strengthening our community. Their leadership and passion for helping children and families thrive will be invaluable as Critchlow Adkins continues to grow and serve future generations.”

Bill Boicourt

A retired physical oceanographer, researcher, and longtime community advocate, Dr. Bill Boicourt has spent his career studying the Chesapeake Bay and advancing environmental stewardship. A graduate of Amherst College and Johns Hopkins University, he has authored more than 25 scientific publications and served in numerous leadership roles throughout the region, including the Talbot County Planning Commission, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Talbot Thrive, and the St. Michaels Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise Commission.

Bill also brings a personal connection to early childhood education, having worked with the University of Massachusetts Experimental Nursery School and Amherst College’s Little Red Schoolhouse Kindergarten. A longtime supporter of Critchlow Adkins, he looks forward to sharing his passion for STEM education and lifelong learning.

Diane Alnutt Caso

For Diane Alnutt Caso, joining the Board represents a continuation of a family tradition. Her mother, Hannah Alnutt, served as a Critchlow Board member and remains one of the organization’s strongest advocates.

Diane holds a degree in mathematics from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. A CPA with extensive experience in accounting and financial management, she has also dedicated countless hours to volunteer leadership, youth ministries, church service, PTA leadership, and community organizations. Her experience supporting children’s programs and nonprofit organizations will provide valuable insight as Critchlow continues to expand its impact.

Lisa Leeb

A lifelong advocate for service, Lisa Leeb brings decades of nonprofit leadership and community outreach experience to the Board.

Lisa graduated from St. Marys College in Moraga, CA with a major in Religious Studies and a minor in Anthropology. She then attended Divinity School at All Faiths Seminary in New York and was ordained as an interfaith minister.  Lisa has served as Executive Director of Sonoma Overnight Support, a homeless shelter in California, and as a law enforcement chaplain supporting first responders and families experiencing crisis and loss. Her volunteer and professional work has included supporting hospice patients, mentoring incarcerated individuals, leading bereavement programs for foster youth, and co-founding Brown Baggers, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding migrant workers and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Though relatively new to the Eastern Shore, Lisa was drawn to Critchlow Adkins because of its commitment to strengthening children, families, and communities through early education.

Susan Wilford

Susan Wilford is no stranger to Critchlow Adkins. A longtime supporter of the organization, she currently serves on the Finance Committee and has already contributed significantly to the organization’s financial stewardship.

Susan’s professional background includes work in financial services with Paine Webber and Legg Mason, where she specialized in municipal bond trading. Beyond her professional career, she has been deeply involved in nonprofit and community service, serving on the Boards of the Women & Girls Fund and Talbot Mentors and volunteering with organizations including Academy Art Museum and Empty Bowls.

Her experience in finance, governance, and philanthropy will further strengthen Critchlow’s leadership team.

Building Brighter Futures

The addition of these four leaders comes at an exciting time for Critchlow Adkins. Recently named Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year, recognized as Best Preschool and Best Daycare by What’s Up? Eastern Shore, and honored by Governor Wes Moore for its advocacy efforts supporting childcare funding and access, the organization continues to be recognized for excellence in early childhood education and community impact.

Founded in 1970 and proudly celebrating 56 years of service, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers has cared for and educated four generations of children and families across the Mid-Shore. With a commitment to making high-quality childcare affordable and accessible, Critchlow Adkins serves hundreds of children and families each year.

Critchlow Adkins provides over $120,000 annually in tuition assistance to qualifying families funded by generous donors, grants, and charitable contributions. To learn more, enroll your child, or support Critchlow’s mission, visit www.cacckids.org or call 410-822-8061.