New chair Suarez is Children First alumnus

Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, has announced its slate of board leadership for 2025.
At the agency’s annual board reception on Jan. 22, Michael K. Suarez, former executive director of Sarasota County Emergency Services and a Children First alumnus, formally was welcomed as board chair, a news release says. Elizabeth Stamoulis, a partner with the Williams Parker law firm in Sarasota, was welcomed as vice chair, the release adds.
Joe Stephan, former vice president for the National Cash Register Corp.’s international division, and Rebecca M. Lieberher, executive director with JPMorgan Chase, were welcomed as treasurer and secretary, respectively, the release notes.
Keith G. Johnson, principle with the Homrich Berg Family Office wealth management firm, received thanks for his service throughout 2024 as he steps into his role as chair emeritus, the release continues.
The other directors are Thomas L. Cunningham, Lisa Giglio, Kenneth Hughes, Carol L. Kalikow, Elenor Maxheim, Linda L. Monda and Robert L. Moulds, the release adds.
The Children First Board of Directors comprises “community members and leaders from the human services, corporate, investment, and philanthropic sectors of our region,” the release explains. To learn more, visit childrenfirst.net.
Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of more than 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, “Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being,” the release points out.
At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, 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 go to childrenfirst.net.