The Honolulu Community Action Program’s Head Start has a new assistant director.

HCAP announced Tuesday Maureen Bates joined the agency as the assistant director of the Head Start program, which provides preschool and family support services to Oahu families living at or below poverty.

She has more than 20 years of experience in educational administration and direct service. She was previously vice president of human services at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii and a contract specialist for the state Department of Education. 

She joins HCAP Head Start after seven years as a vocational rehabilitation specialist for the Department of Veteran Affairs, mental health services section.

She will serve under Director Lynn Cabato. HCAP Head Start is federally funded and serves more than 1,600 children each year.