Board Chairman’s Message
The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, Inc., locally implements the School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten early education programs in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. The law that establishes Early Learning Coalitions (Florida Statute 1002, Part VI) also establishes the Coalition’s board membership composition, including positions from the private sector business community.
The Coalition’s primary tasks include:
- Supporting local, small business providers in ensuring high quality early education and nurturing programs that prepare children for success upon entering kindergarten and in life;
- Supporting parents in becoming self-sufficient and/or maintaining self-sufficiency through financial assistance with child care to continue employment and/or education;
- Strengthen parents’ awareness and skills in their role of their child’s first and most important teacher.
If you are interested in learning more about the Coalition and how to make a meaningful difference in our community by serving in this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please click below or call (850) 747-5400, extension 114.
Jon McFatter, Board Chair
Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida
2020/2021 Board of Directors
JON MCFATTER, Chair
Simply the Best
Governor Appointee
Bay County
TONY BENNETT, Vice Chair
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City, Chief Executive Officer
Private Sector
Bay County
JERRY SOWELL, Treasurer
Segers, Sowell, Steward, Johnson, and Brill, P.A.
Private Sector Member
Bay County
RENAE ROUNTREE, Secretary
Washington County Public Library
Washington County
PASTOR PHIL EDWARDS
First Assembly of God – Panama City
Private Sector
Bay County
KIM GILLIS
Tri-County Community Council Head Start, Executive Director
Head Start Representative
Holmes and Washington Counties
ZACH GILMORE
Jackson County Economic Development Committee
Jackson County
TIFFANI HINDS
St. John’s Catholic School, Principal
Private Sector Business
Bay County
JEANNE HITCHCOCK
Along the Way and Along the Way Learning Center
Private Child Care Provider Representative
Jackson County
MIATTA JALABER
Child Care Regulation, Department of Children and Families
NW Region Program Safety Manager
FRANK MARTIN
Level Four Wealth Management, Managing Director
Private Sector Member
Bay County
AL MCCAMBRY
Workforce Development, Dean
Gulf Coast State College Designee
Franklin County and Gulf County
JULIANA MELARA
Children’s Home Society
Representative of Program Under Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Washington Counties
JOHANNA PLUMMER
Blountstown Drugs
Board of County Commissioners Appointee
Calhoun County
JOE SEABROOK
Retired USAF, Social Services
Bay County
SUSIE SEWELL
County Health Department
County Health Department Director
Holmes and Washington Counties
REVEREND PARNELL SMITH, SR.
New Bethel Baptist Church
Faith-based Child Care Provider Representative
Bay County
MYRTIS WYNN
Retired US Army, Co-Founder of Project HOPE of Franklin County
Franklin County
LIZ LENTZ
First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe
Private Sector
Gulf County
Interested in board membership? We have vacancies!
Board Vacancies
Governor Appointed Members – 2 Positions
Local Workforce Development Board Executive Director or designee – 1 Position
District Superintendent of Schools or designee – 1 Position
Bay County Private Sector – 2 Positions
Rural County Private Sector – 4 Positions
Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties
Interested persons can contact Suzan Gage at 850-693-0808 or email suzan.gage@elcnwf.org to get more information. If you are ready to complete an application today, use the link below.