Early Learning Coalition Briefs

ELC of the Big Bend Region

On May 27, 2010, the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region's Chief Executive Officer, Chris Duggan, announced her resignation, marking the end of an era of leadership. Starting in July, Duggan will be starting the next exciting chapter of her career as a consultant for the Agency for Workforce Innovation's Office of Early Learning. As a consultant representing the interests of the Early Learning Coalitions around the state, her focus will be to assist the agency with the development and implementation of statewide early learning services and systems.

The Board and staff of the ELC would like to thank Duggan for her years of dedication and service to the children, families and child care providers of the Big Bend Region. Because of her leadership, the Big Bend has come together to build a community where all children are being prepared for success in school.

The Coalition's Board of Directors approved the appointment of Lauren Faison as the next Chief Executive Officer of the ELC effective July 1, 2010. Lauren has been with the ELC since 2005. As the Coalition's current Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Faison has been responsible for the successful business operation, service delivery, and outreach efforts of the ELC. She looks forward to leading the ELC by focusing on strengthening the effectiveness and efficiencies of the Coalition by focusing on strategic planning and outcome measurements for children, families, and child care providers within the region.

Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties' Assistant Executive Director Betsy Kier and Executive Director Jim Farrelly, proudly display the Nonprofit of the Year Award given to the Coalition by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal named the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. as the Education Nonprofit of the Year during its annual awards ceremony held on June 24, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Hotel at the University of South Florida. The Tampa Bay Business Journal honored all 38 finalists among 275 nominees in seven categories at the 2010 Nonprofit of the Year Awards ceremony. Awards are based on fiscal responsibility, management, mission, programming, and impact with the community.

Coalition Executive Director Jim Farrelly noted that "Selection as Nonprofit of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal is the most prestigious honor received by board members, staff and over 350 respected child care providers in our counties." He added, "Our commitment is to the thousands of children and families we work hard to serve each day. This honor will allow us to do even more."

Earlier this year, the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. was the recipient of the Be More Humble: People's Choice Award at the Fifth Annual WEDU Be More Awards™. This prestigious award exhibits the connection and relationship that the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. has established with the community and the people it serves. The WEDU People's Choice Poll allows area citizens to honor the nonprofit organization they feel most exemplifies the positive spirit of the community.

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Early Learning Coalition Briefs