Board of Directors
The composition of the Coalition Board is defined in Florida Statutes. Florida’s Governor appoints the Board Chairperson and two private-sector business members. Twelve Board members are legislatively mandated. These individuals serve continuously while in their respective positions. The Coalition Board has private-sector representation as well.
Click here for more information on becoming a Coalition Board member.
Board of Directors
Officers
Todd Panzer, APRN-C, FNP-C**
Chair
Todd is the founder and lead medical provider at Panzer Concierge Medicine (PCM). Prior to starting PCM, he practiced at Ocala Family Medical Center. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Faculty at University of South Florida.
Todd and his wife are passionate about fostering and adoption. They are currently raising six children and enjoy Marion County’s peaceful horse-country and spending time on their boat or in their RV.
Jennifer Beck*
Vice-Chair
Jennifer Beck is the Director of Early Learning for Marion County Public Schools and the Principal at Fordham Early Learning Academy. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Leo University. In her over 30 years in education, she has held various positions within the Marion County School System, including teacher, Student Services Manager, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director. She is passionate about supporting young children as they become successful readers, writers, and mathematicians. She also strongly advocates for families, as she believes raising a child takes an active village. Jennifer is the 2023-2024 recipient of the Coalition’s Children’s Champion Award. She is also the proud mother to two amazing children, and she and her husband enjoy calling Marion County their home.
Thomas LoBianco
PAST VICE CHAIR
Thomas serves as the Vice President of Tender Care Medical Services, Inc., a leading healthcare provider dedicated to delivering high-quality care to children with special medical needs throughout Florida. Tender Care is a PPEC (prescribed pediatric extended care) center committed to providing exceptional care and support. With a focus on marketing and communications strategy, Thomas drives the company’s mission forward.
Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas is deeply passionate about making a difference in the communities Tender Care serves. As a father of five, he understands the importance of compassionate and comprehensive care for families and their children.
Heather Gamble*
SECRETARY
Heather brings over two decades of experience in workforce development. She currently serves as the Program Development and Reporting Manager at CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion. Her passion for community outreach is deeply rooted in her love for Ocala, where she has lived and worked for over 35 years. Heather values the strong sense of connection and collaboration that defines the Ocala community.
Heather finds joy and inspiration in spending time with her loved ones. Her personal and professional values align closely with the mission of the Early Learning Coalition, making her a thoughtful and enthusiastic advocate for children and families across the region.
Brenda Ford, CPA, PFS
Treasurer
Brenda is a partner at Crippen, a local accounting firm, and is one of only four CPAs in Ocala who have the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation from the American Institute of CPAs. Licensed in both Florida and Massachusetts, Brenda has over 35 years of tax and auditing experience in individual, trust, estate, commercial, nonprofit, and government areas. Brenda is also a member of Altrusa International of Ocala, an organization that shares her dedication to making our community better through leadership, partnership, and service.
Members
Maritza Alejandro*, Episcopal Children’s Services
Jennifer Chatterton, B. Riley Wealth Management
Richard Forrester*, Department of Children and Families Child Care Regulations designee
Lola Gonzalez**, Accurate Background Check, Inc.
Levonda Goodson, Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center
Christy Jergens*, Florida Department of Health in Marion County
Kimberly LaCognata*, Preschool @ The Springs
Jennifer McBride*, Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System
Matthew McClain*, Marion County Board of County Commissioners
Brittney Morley**, Ocala’s Finest Real Estate
Telesha Page*, Department of Children and Families Regional Administrator designee
Jessica Schultz, Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership
Kim Sellers*, College of Central Florida
Cecil Wilson*, Mary’s Family Childcare, Inc.
Jennifer Winton, Regions Bank
*Statutorily mandated member
**Governor appointee
Upcoming Meetings
2025-2026 Notice of Meetings, Revised 12-2-25
Board Meeting Packets