Dara Munson takes the reins at Chicago Child Care Society

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Dara Munson recently took over as new CEO for one of Chicago's oldest child advocacy agencies on Thursday and she is well-prepared for this new role.

Munson is a familiar figure to many in the Midwest non-profit world, touted as one of the "young leaders to watch" by several publications. Now she's bringing a wealth of experience in an effort to support children in this city.

For Munson, her new position at the 166-year-old Chicago Child Care Society is also a part of her passion.

"There is a very special sense of magic when a child knows that he or she matters," she says.

Munson comes from Detroit with a truckload of accomplishments, ready to build on that legacy.

"With my history of youth development and my interest in serving vulnerable children, I am really looking forward to raising the awareness and bringing more of the Chicago community inside the walls of this great organization," she says.

Her educational background is in juvenile justice. She once planned to be a judge. But Munson found her mission in the non-profit world, with executive positions in the Detroit United Way, Big Brothers and Sisters and a host of other organizations. Here she joins an agency which provides services to youngsters from preschoolers to teenage parents.

"Our work will continue to be around supporting children who are vulnerable, who, for whatever reason, are born into unfortunate circumstances, whose families need additional support," says Munson.

And in today's economic climate, providing those services is tougher than ever. The new CEO is hoping for partnerships with other organizations and individuals who share a similar vision for these people.

"When they are exposed to things that they would otherwise not be exposed to, their world expands, their universe expands. So it is my intent in helping to create these opportunities for children, regardless of the community, regardless of the neighborhood, so that they can reach their potential," she says.

Thursday evening the Chicago Child Care Society officially welcomes Munson with a reception at the Ritz-Carlton. They are excited to have her and she is very anxious to get started.

For more information visit www.cccsociety.org