CEO and Executive Director, The Children's Development Academy

Maggie DeCan is the CEO and executive director of the Children’s Development Academy (CDA), providing high-quality learning programs to children whose families otherwise couldn't afford it. Research demonstrates that learning and development that occurs in a child’s first five years has a profound impact on academic success and achievement later in life. The CDA annually serves 200 children ages 1 through 5 from low-income, working families in the Northern Arc of Greater Atlanta.    

Before leading the CDA, DeCan was the President & Chief Operating Officer at The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC. She drove operational execution and oversaw sales revenue for over 500 company-owned and franchise units nationally. Prior to her leadership at HoneyBaked, she also worked in operational and HR leadership roles for well-known brands and retailers Circuit City, Belk and Macy's.   

Her book, Humbled on Purpose, focuses on vocational guidance and leadership development, specifically for professionals looking to find deeper meaning in their work. It is true and widely acknowledged that career fulfillment is not achieved by pursuing every last dollar available. At the same time, leaders should not have to forfeit a meaningful salary in the name of passionate self-sacrifice. DeCan draws on her own experience of leaving a high-powered role in the corporate world to lead a local non-profit, and writes how balancing purpose and prosperity is critical to both personal growth and the betterment of our communities. 

She and her husband Bob live in Roswell and have two sons, Riley and Brady.

Humbled on Purpose will be released in the fall of 2024.