The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County’s Board of Directors announced this week that Todd Panzer, owner of Panzer Medicine in Ocala, is now the nonprofit organization’s acting board chair.
According to ELCMC, Panzer accepted the role effective April 13 following the resignation of Robert Colen, and he awaits appointment from Governor Ron DeSantis.
Since 2019, Panzer has served on the ELCMC board, and he is passionate about serving children in the local community. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Coalition Board and staff to provide community programs and services that produce impactful outcomes for families. I have big shoes to fill in replacing Robert,” stated Panzer.
Colen had served ELCMC since 2015, when he was appointed by then-Governor Rick Scott. According to ELCMC, Colen has been a staunch advocate for policies that improve quality early learning for children, and he helped guide the nonprofit organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in executive leadership.
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County provides families with access to quality early learning programs that nurture children’s learning potential while preparing them for their educational success. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide leadership and foster partnerships to optimize a quality early learning environment for children through childcare, voluntary pre-kindergarten, and parent education.
For more information, visit the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County’s website or call 352-369-2315.