Conference Kick-Off Celebration 

Samuel Dupervil, Director, Region IV Program Director, Office of Head Start  

Samuel (Sam) Dupervil earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2011 and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy in 2013. He began his career at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in December 2014 as a Presidential Management Fellow Finalist and Grants Management Specialist supporting the Head Start Program.

During his time with ACF, Sam completed a detailed role as a public health analyst with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office of Public Policy and Communications, contributing to the Policy and Issues Management Team. Upon returning to ACF, he served as the Facilities Lead and chaired the Region IV Facilities Workgroup for the Office of Grants Management (OGM) and the Office of Head Start (OHS).

In December 2019, Sam joined the Economic Independence (EI) Portfolio as a Lead Grants Management Specialist, providing support to the Office of Child Care (OCC), Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). During a transitional period for the EI Portfolio, Sam took on the role of Acting Grants Management Officer and Program Lead for OCSS.

In 2022, Sam returned to the School Readiness Portfolio as a Grants Management Officer supporting Region IV Head Start Grants, where he successfully led key initiatives to streamline and improve grant processes. In 2024, he was appointed Regional Program Director for the Office of Head Start, leveraging his extensive experience and leadership to drive impactful programs and initiatives.

Cari Miller, Chancellor, Florida Department of Education Division of Early Learning 

Cari Miller serves as Chancellor for Early Learning, directing the Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE’s) Division of Early Learning. As Chancellor, Cari collaborates with 30 early learning coalitions and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association to deliver high-quality child care and early learning programs throughout Florida.

Previously, she served as FDOE’s Vice Chancellor for Literacy Achievement, implementing comprehensive and cohesive literacy policy and initiatives to improve literacy achievement for all students.

A former elementary teacher and reading coach, Cari also served in various capacities at Just Read, Florida! She also served as the Early Literacy Policy Director for ExcelinEd, working with state policymakers pursuing comprehensive K-3 reading policy and supporting state departments with effective policy implementation. She is a Governor’s appointee for the Council for Early Grade Success, serves on the Governing Board for Regional Educational Laboratory Southeast, is an Advisory Board Member for Region 7 Comprehensive Center, and serves on Florida’s Early Learning Roadmap Advisory Committee and the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

She is certified in elementary education and educational leadership and has earned her reading endorsement.