Three appointed by DeSantis to Marion County Early Learning Coalition

File photo: Chloe Follins, left, and Mary Brewster, right, of the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County pass out books to children during the Back to School Community Giveback presented by AdventHealth Ocala, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, Stuff The Bus, The Rock, Marion County Public Schools and the Marion County ChildrenÕs Alliance at the AdventHealth Auxiliary Center in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Hundreds of families and their children received back to school supplies from dozens and dozens of volunteers this year. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Three people have been appointed to the Marion County Early Learning Coalition by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Todd Panzer has been appointed as chair, and Brittney Morley and Lola Gonzalez have been appointed as members of the coalition’s board of directors. The appointment was made on Oct. 18.

“I am honored to be appointed as the board chair of Early Learning Coalition of Marion County by our Governor, Ron DeSantis,” Panzer said.

Panzer previously served as the vice chair and acting chair of the board.

“The wonderful work that the dedicated staff and volunteers of ELCMC provide for our community and children is not only important, but necessary. ELCMC is tasked via State Legislature to help the children and working families of our community in preparation for school readiness,” Panzer said. “Providing childcare subsidy for working parents, VPK, developmental and health screenings of children, Success by 6, and Provider Professional Development are just a few of the services ELCMC performs for Marion County. I am so happy to say that we have started the Dolly Parton Imagination Library this year as well. Another way to reach our kids early with reading materials.”

He is the owner and nurse practitioner for Panzer Concierge Medicine and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Brenau University and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of North Georgia.

“The health and growth of a community is largely dependent on how well we educate our children. To be just one member of such a wonderful organization is humbling. We strive to help our children to be better prepared, and successful, when they enter school. That is a lifelong goal that I have for my home, Marion County,” he said.

Morley is the owner and broker of Ocala’s Finest Real Estate Agency.

“As a newly appointed board member of the Early Learning Coalition, I am eager to contribute to the growth and development of our community’s youngest learners. My primary goal during my term is to enhance access to quality early childhood education, ensuring that all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, have the tools and support they need to succeed,” Morley said.

Morley is the recipient of the Certification of Appreciation from the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County.

“I also aim to foster stronger partnerships between families, educators, and community resources to create an ecosystem where learning extends beyond the classroom. By advocating for policies and programs that support both children and their caregivers, I hope to build a more equitable and effective system that helps set the foundation for lifelong success,” she said.

She is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in business from the College of Central Florida.

“Additionally, I plan to focus on promoting professional development for educators and improving the coalition’s outreach efforts to ensure that families are aware of the resources and opportunities available to them,” Morley said.

Gonzalez is the CEO and senior investigator for Accurate Background Check Inc. She is the founder of the Hispanic Business Council in Marion County. Currently, Gonzalez serves as the chair of the Heart of Florida Health Center.

Gonzalez could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

Both Morley and Gonzalez will serve as board members from the private sector.