Board of Directors

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:

  1.  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;
  2.  Supporting parents in becoming self-sufficient and/or maintaining self-sufficiency through financial  assistance with child care to continue employment and/or education;
  3.  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

TONY BENNETT, Vice Chair

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City
Private Sector Member
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
Private Sector Member
Washington County

TRACI CORBIN

County Health Department
County Health Department Director
Holmes and Washington Counties

RACHEL CHIMA

First Assembly of God Panama City
Private Sector Member
Bay County

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.

Board Membership Application

Board Resources