Stephen McKinney, MA, is an implementation associate with the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. He provides project management and implementation support to learning partners on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Effective Implementation Cohort (EIC) and New York Math Network projects to support implementation of high-quality math curricula. Additionally, Stephen helped co-chair the FPG State Engagement committee as part of the FPG Next initiative. Prior to his time at FPG, Stephen served as a project manager for NC State's Wolfpack WORKS project.

As part of our FPG profile series, we recently spoke with McKinney to learn more about his work here at the Institute. Here’s what he had to say.

Tell us a bit about your professional journey―and what brought you to FPG?

My professional journey started with a brief stint in the classroom as an elementary school teacher before transitioning into the higher education sector. My first university job was with NC State where I served as a project manager for a literacy-focused state-funded program called Wolfpack WORKS. I had always known FPG to be a renowned institution in the early childhood and K-12 space, and in October of 2021, I was awarded the opportunity to join the NIRN team as a project manager.

What do you do at FPG—describe your job, walk us through a typical day, and tell us about the projects you're currently working on.

I currently serve as an implementation associate for two Gates Foundation-funded projects at NIRN: EIC and the NY Math Network. Both projects consist of working with and supporting school districts in their math curriculum implementation efforts. My job is a blend of both project management and implementation support for both our internal teams and external partners. I’ve supported data collection efforts, facilitated implementation learning sessions, and helped coordinate large 200+ attendee events―and everything in between! I also recently had the opportunity to serve as co-chair alongside Sandy Hong to help lead the FPG Next State Engagement Committee.

What do you like most about your job?

I love our team! Each member brings such a wealth of diverse experience and expertise―whether it’s related to implementation research or practice, each day, I have the opportunity to learn something new from a colleague. We also share funny memes, we ponder the best Taylor Swift songs―it’s a familial group, and I so appreciate each and every one of them.

What do you find most challenging?

I wish I got to see our out-of-state teammates in person more often!

How does your work further the mission of FPG?

I like to think that by working hard as an implementation associate, whether it’s through project management or implementation support, I’m helping our team at NIRN, which then in turn helps the larger FPG community, which then ripples out in the form of support and research that impacts communities, families, and children.

What do you hope to have accomplished five years from now?

In five years from now, I hope to continue working to support projects that impact families and children across the nation. I hope that my professional skill set continues to grow and that I’m still sharing funny memes with colleagues.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your work/working at FPG?

At the 2023 FPG Chili Cookoff (an annual fundraising event held at FPG in support of the State Employees Combined Campaign), my cornbread came in second place. This was the first time I had ever made cornbread and is up there for me in terms of my work-related accomplishments.