Staff

Kate McLean, Executive Director

As Executive Director, Kate leads the organization in increasing CCAI’s visibility and impact among members of the adoption, foster care, and greater child welfare community; strengthening and diversifying the organization's funding sources; and maintaining the strong relationship that exists between CCAI and Members of Congress. Kate is committed to continue supporting the caucus and CCAI community to identify and remove barriers for vulnerable children and families.

In her previous role as CCAI's Director of Programs, Kate managed the organization's outreach, development, and programming in the implementation of CCAI's core programs and annual projects including the Foster Youth Internship Program®, Angels in Adoption®, and National Adoption Day. Kate was first a CCAI Programs Intern and then Policy & Programs Associate before becoming Director of Programs and most recently Managing Director. 

Originally from New York, Kate has been a District of Columbia resident for over eight years. Kate enjoys volunteering with CASA for Children of DC and has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate since 2019. Kate holds a bachelor's degree in international affairs with a concentration in conflict resolution from The George Washington University. Kate is currently enrolled in a nonprofit leadership certificate program through the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Sara Schleicher, Programs Coordinator

As Programs Coordinator, Sara leads the planning and implementation efforts for CCAI’s flagship programs and events including the Angels in Adoption® Program and Foster Youth Internship Program® as well as National Adoption Day initiatives. She is responsible for the operational success of these programs and ensures that the events in each program engage the U.S. Congress, corporations and foundations, and the child welfare community in domestic and international adoption and foster care. Sara previously worked with CCAI as their Programs Assistant, aiding in the 2018 Angels in Adoption® Program efforts. 

Sara brings a wealth of international experience to the team, including a grant to Malaysia from The Fulbright U.S. Student Program under the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and additional overseas student programming. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and child and family policy from Syracuse University.