Linda Hicks has been appointed as the executive director of Durham's Alliance for Child Care Access (DACCA). Hicks succeeds Darnella Warthen who resigned from her position in April 2008.

According to Rhonda Stevens, assistant director for Family Economic Independence for the Durham County Department of Social Services, "Hick's work history, specifically her previous work with Durham's Partnership for Children, will be an asset to the agency and we are excited about her joining our team."

DACCA is a collaborative of four agencies including the Durham County Department of Social Services (DSS), Child Care Services Association, Durham's Partnership for Children and Operation Breakthrough. The mission of DACCA is to provide access to quality child care for low-income families through the shared resources of the partner agencies. DACCA is located at 1201 Briggs Avenue, Suite 101 in Durham.

Prior to accepting the appointment of executive director of DACCA, Hicks has worked with the Division of Medical Assistance in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on a statewide program. Before working with the state, Hicks led the More at Four program for Durham's Partnership for Children. Hicks will begin work on June 1, 2009.

For more information about Hicks' appointment, contact Sharon Hirsch, assistant director for Communication, Development and Customer Information for Durham County DSS, at 919-560-8059, or via email at shirsch@durhamcountync.gov.