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
2021/2022 Board of Directors
JON MCFATTER, Chair
Simply the Best
Governor Appointee
Bay County
VACANT, Vice Chair
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
TRACI CORBIN
County Health Department
County Health Department Director
Holmes and Washington Counties
SHARON GASKIN
North Florida Child Development, Inc.
Head Start Representative
Calhoun, Franklin, and Gulf Counties
ZACH GILMORE
Jackson County Economic Development Committee
Private Sector Member
Jackson County
KENNETH GRIFFIN
Agriculture/Farming Industry
Private Sector Member
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
Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Washington Counties
LIZ LENTZ
Director of Children’s Ministries, First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe
Private Sector Member
Gulf County
DR. GINA MCALLISTER
Chipola College
Florida College System Institution President Designee
Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties
MARY MCKENZIE
Oglesby Plants International, Inc.
Private Sector Business
Calhoun 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
Private Sector Member
Bay County
REVEREND PARNELL SMITH, SR.
New Bethel Baptist Church
Faith-based Child Care Provider Representative
Bay County
JOSEPH TAYLOR
Washington County District School Superintendent
District Superintendent of Schools
Washington County
RICHARD WILLIAMS
CareerSource Chipola
Regional Workforce Board Director
Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties
MYRTIS WYNN
Retired US Army, Co-Founder of Project HOPE of Franklin County
Private Sector Member
Bay County
Interested in board membership? We have vacancies!
Board Vacancies
Governor Appointed Members – 2 Positions
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.