We're excited to announce the promotion of Andrea Harp to the role of Vice President of Marketing & Communications, effective June 2026.
In this new position, she will serve as a strategic member of the executive leadership team and will be responsible for developing, leading, and executing a comprehensive marketing, branding, communications, and public relations strategy that advances the mission, visibility, growth, and impact of Care to Learn.
“I’ll never forget hearing the story of a child who tried on his new eyeglasses for the first time, and excitedly shared that he ‘could finally see the whole world,’’’ says Andrea. “That’s the type of impact that Care to Learn has. We remove barriers, provide relief, and give schools a valuable tool to build trust with their students. I’m so proud of our Green Team, and I want everyone in Missouri to see and know the value of why our mission matters.”
Andrea joined the Care to Learn team in August 2021 as the Director of Marketing. She has worked in both the healthcare and nonprofit sectors and brings more than 15 years of communications experience to the role.
“I have had the unique opportunity to work alongside Andrea longer than anyone else in my professional career,” says Krystal Simon, CEO of Care to Learn. “She is not only a talented communicator, but she is also an incredible leader who has elevated our brand, strengthened our community engagement, and amplified our mission.”
Andrea graduated from Drury University and remains deeply involved in her community. She currently serves in two community leadership roles: as a member of the Leadership Council for The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals and as a member of the Abilities First Board of Directors. In 2026, she was named one of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. Andrea was also selected as a speaker for the 2026 Biz417 Think Summit, where she shared insights on the importance of creating space for meaningful connections and building stronger communities.
Care to Learn’s mission is to meet children’s emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs so they can succeed in school. Since 2008, Care to Learn has celebrated more than 4.6+ million Missouri student success stories. The nonprofit is headquartered in Springfield, Mo., and partners with 55+ school districts across Missouri. To learn more, visit www.caretolearn.org.
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