Binal Patel appointed as the new head of Neighborhood Villages executive team
New Executive Director at Neighborhood Villages: Binal Patel
Binal Patel, a seasoned educator, program director, and mother of two, has been appointed as the new executive director of Neighborhood Villages, a nonprofit focused on providing affordable, high-quality early education and care.
Before embarking on her educational journey, Patel had a career as a Marketing Analyst. However, an unexpected turn of events sparked a passion within her that led to a significant career change. The death of a friend served as a catalyst, igniting Patel's interest in education.
Patel's foray into education began with a teaching position in a Preschool classroom. She later rose through the ranks, becoming a program director, and then serving as chief program officer at Neighborhood Villages. In this role, she led direct service program implementation and organisational growth.
In July 2025, Patel was named executive director of Neighborhood Villages. In this leadership role, she will oversee strategic planning, program implementation, and policy work, including scaling innovations like the Registered ECE Apprenticeship program for early education teachers and directors.
Patel holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. Her formal training in early childhood education was validated by a supportive mentor and director, who boosted her confidence as an educator.
In her new role, Patel will lead the development of a new strategic plan for Neighborhood Villages. She will navigate the current landscape to ensure the organisation stays true to its vision of an early childhood system that is accessible and of high quality.
Moreover, Patel's work includes bringing effective innovations to scale in partnership with government. She will oversee the implementation of programs and policy work at Neighborhood Villages, including the Registered ECE Apprenticeship program, which aims to improve the quality of early education by providing a pathway for career growth and professional development for teachers and directors.
Patel has been an educator since receiving her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. Her commitment to education and her ability to lead have been evident throughout her career. As the new executive director of Neighborhood Villages, she is poised to make a significant impact on the early education landscape.
Binal Patel, in her new role as the executive director of Neighborhood Villages, is eager to integrate personal growth and education-and-self-development into the lifestyle of the organization, fostering a culture where continuous learning and professional development are prioritized. As she leads the development of a new strategic plan, she will strive to ensure that lifestyle choices promote the well-being of both educators and children, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the early education system.
