SARALYN GRASS, ED.D.
Dr. Saralyn Grass
President & Co-Founder · Expert Witness · Executive Leader
For over two decades, Dr. Grass has led complex organizations, shaped child care policy at the state and municipal level and served as a trusted advisor to legal teams, nonprofit leaders and executives navigating high-stakes decisions.
Ed.D. – Florida State
Expert Witness
Guardian ad Litem
National Reach
Jax, FL
22+
Years leading child care & education systems
$50M+
Public agency directed as CEO
30
Florida Early Learning Coalitions represented as Executive Director
10+
Years as a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Leadership Roles
2025-Now
President & Co-founder
Verdant Synergies Consulting
Strategic consulting, expert witness services, nonprofit development and executive coaching across government, nonprofit and private sectors.
2023-2025
Chief Executive Officer
Kids Hope Alliance – City of Jacksonville
Directed a $50M+ public agency overseeing youth development, afterschool and prevention programs citywide. Public spokesperson and liaison to City Council.
2019-2023
Chief Programs Officer → Chief Administrative Officer
Kids Hope Alliance – City of Jacksonville
Oversaw $40M annual RFP program for area nonprofits. Directed compliance, fiscal operations and cross-departmental performance.
2017-2019
Executive Director
Association of Early Learning Coalitions – Statewide
Represented all 30 Florida Early Learning Coalitions in state policy and legislative advocacy; including statewide strategy and communications.
2011-2019
Vice President & Chief Programs Officer → Statewide Director
The Children’s Forum & Help Me Grow Florida
Managed $3M Help Me Grow grant program. Oversaw 40+ staff on child care policy, licensing standards and statewide initiatives.
EDUCATION
Academic Credentials
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Florida State University, 2014
Educational Policy & Program Evaluation · Graduate Certificates in Global Pathways and Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Master of Science (M.S.)
Virginia Tech
Human Development · Concentration in special needs across child & adolescent and community agencies
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
University of North Florida
Psychology · Focus on early childhood development and learning systems
RECOGNITION
Awards & Honors
- Leadership & Excellence Award: Step-by-Step 4 Help Foundation (2024)
- Leadership Jacksonville: Class of 2024
- Woman of Distinction: Girl Scouts of Gateway Council (2022)
- Leadership Florida: Education Class 4 & Connect Class 8
- Trailblazer Award: FSU College of Education (2019)
- 25 Women to Know in Tallahassee: Tallahassee Democrat (2017)
- Pinnacle Award: 850 Business Magazine (2016)
- Florida Bar Citizens Advisory Committee Member (2025-Present)
Dr. Grass is available as an expert witness in child safety litigation.
Specializing in PreK-12 school safety, childcare standards of care, negligent supervision and mandated reporting. Accepting engagements nationally.
Get in touch with Saralyn directly:
saralyn@verdantsynergies.com · 904.651.5959