TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced seven reappointments and five appointments to multiple Early Learning Coalitions across the state.
Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough
Aakash Patel, 34, of Tampa, is the founder and president of Elevate, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Patel is reappointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway, Inc.
Connie Anderson, 48, of Lake City, is the vice president of Columbia Bank. She is reappointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Lake County, Inc.
Byron Thompson, 49, of Eustis, is the director of development for LifeStream Behavioral Center. He is also a member of the Education Foundation of Lake County. Thompson is reappointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of North Florida
Nancy Pearson, 81, of Ponte Vedra Beach, is in broker sales with Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. She received her bachelor’s degree from Clark University. Pearson is reappointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast
Elizabeth Brant, 53, of Baker, is the principal environmental engineer for Poly, Inc. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida. Brant is reappointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, Inc.
Craig Phillips, 68, of Largo, is the chief executive officer and managing partner of Client 1st Advisory Group. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Phillips is reappointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Polk County
Katrina Lunsford, 57, of Lakeland, is the vice president of business banking for Fifth Third Bank. She received her bachelor’s degree from Troy University. Lunsford succeeds Bill Dorman and is appointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County
Lindsey Toole, 38, of Venice, is a wealth advisor with AWA Investment Advisors. He received his bachelor’s degree from Montreat College and his master’s degree from Boston University. Toole succeeds Nick Feather and is appointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County, Inc.
Jarrod Trefelner, 41, of Fort Pierce, is the vice president and commercial relationship manager with CenterState Bank. He received his bachelor’s degree from Salem State College and his master’s degree from the University of Florida. Trefelner is reappointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County
Van Mansker, 68, of Pensacola, is the retired regional director of human resources for Lowe’s company. He previously served as the vice chair of CareerSource Escarosa. Mansker succeeds Kermit Housh and is appointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Howard Burnston, 49, of Lake Worth, is the senior corporate counsel for IBERIABANK. He received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY University at Albany, his master’s degree from Hofstra University, and his juris doctorate from New York University. Burnston fills a vacant seat for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
Early Learning Coalition of Osceola
Melba Luciano, 63, of Saint Cloud, is the former superintendent for the School District of Osceola County. She received her bachelor’s degree from Hunter College and her master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. Luciano fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning August 30, 2018 and ending April 30, 2021.
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