FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2026
This homecoming reflects BANANAS’ deep commitment to nurturing the children, families, and early educators at the heart of our community.
OAKLAND, Calif. – September 8, 2026 – BANANAS is thrilled to announce that Maria Hassel has rejoined the organization as its first-ever Chief Program & Impact Officer—a senior role created to support BANANAS’ strategic evolution and lead its diverse, high-impact programming.
Maria’s appointment marks a welcome return to BANANAS and the Bay Area early care and education community. Prior to rejoining BANANAS, Maria was the Regional Vice President at Family Focus, where she oversaw large-scale early childhood programming, drove strategic initiatives, and led high-performing teams to achieve NAEYC accreditation across multiple sites. Her distinguished career spans both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, encompassing diverse educational approaches, including Montessori and Head Start models. Deeply trusted across the Early Care and Education (ECE) ecosystem, Maria has consistently fostered thriving organizational cultures and delivered impactful, essential programming for families and professional development for early childhood educators.
BANANAS CEO Kym Johnson called Maria’s return to the leadership team a significant milestone, stating, “Her deep commitment to equity, community, and early learning excellence is exactly what we need as we continue to grow and expand our impact for families across Alameda County.”
Having previously launched innovative programs at BANANAS that have since grown and flourished, Maria brings a unique combination of institutional knowledge and extensive executive leadership to this newly created role. Her experience in community engagement and cross-sector advocacy equips her to guide BANANAS’ strategic evolution as it continues expanding services across Alameda County—including vital programs serving unhoused parents, providing basic needs support and guaranteed income to families with small children, supporting teen parents, and resourcing those with children with special needs. Maria’s passionate commitment to children, parents, and early educators ensures BANANAS will continue building and scaling equitable programs for families throughout Alameda County.
Reflecting on her new role, Hassel shared, “Joining an organization that puts families at the heart of everything it does is both a privilege and an inspiring next step. I am thrilled to step into the CPIO role alongside such an exceptional team.”
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About BANANAS
Founded in 1973, BANANAS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports families, caregivers, and child care providers to help ensure young children are prepared for success in school and in life. BANANAS provides child care referrals, payment assistance programs, workshops, playgroups, coaching, and support groups for families across Northern Alameda County. Through its work with families and providers, BANANAS helps connect children to quality care and supports the adults who care for them. To learn more, visit www.bananasbunch.org.
Media Contact
Adrienne Duncan
Director of Development & Communications
adrienne@bananasbunch.org
