Retired president of Clearview Management joins local board of directors, while Mitchell wins election to Region IV Head Start Association board of directors
This week, “Children First, a nationally recognized nonprofit providing high-quality early childhood education and family strengthening services,” announced two leadership appointments extending the organization’s expertise and commitment to children and families at both the community and regional levels,” as an Oct. 15 news release notes.
Children First has welcomed Robin Grossman, retired president of Clearview Management, to its board of directors, the release says.
“Grossman joins a group of community leaders from the human services, corporate, investment, and philanthropic sectors who provide governance and strategic leadership for the organization,” the release explains.
Michael K. Suarez, a Children First alumnus, is in his second consecutive year as board chair, the release adds. Elizabeth Stamoulis serves as vice chair; Rebecca M. Lieberher as treasurer; Carol L. Kalikow as secretary; and Keith G. Johnson as chair emeritus, the release notes. Additional directors ae Thomas L. Cunningham, Kenneth Hughes, Elenor Maxheim, Linda L. Monda, Robert L. Moulds and Joe Stephan, the release says.
Further, the release says, Meredith Mitchell, director of family services, has been elected to the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA) board of directors. “RIVHSA represents the Head Start community across the Southeast, encompassing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff, and 300 member programs,” the release points out.
“Mitchell has served Children First for more than 25 years, beginning as a Family Advocate and advancing through several leadership positions” before becoming director of family services, where she oversees the organization’s family strengthening programs, the release says. “Her leadership has included expanding the Families First Institute, advancing career and educational opportunities for parents, and developing partnerships with employers and community organizations,” it adds.
“Together, these appointments strengthen Children First’s leadership locally while maintaining an active voice within the broader Head Start community as the organization celebrates 65 years of strengthening children and families,” the release notes.
Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of more than 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, Children First’s mission is strengthening children and families “by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being,” the release explains. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, it continues, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children from birth to age 5 from low-income families.
For more information, call 941-953-3877 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.