80 want to lead child board

The Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition gets a stack of resumes 2 inches thick.

By LISA BUIE
Published July 14, 2007

A colonel who claims top-secret security clearance, nursing home directors, an international oil company executive, a retired school superintendent and a woman whose goal was to find a job near her home in Spring Hill were among the 80-plus people who want to lead the agency that oversees programs for Hernando and Pasco's youngest children.

Friday was the deadline for applications for the job of executive director of the Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition. By afternoon, staffers had amassed a file that measured 2 inches thick.

Applicants are vying to replace Jo-Ann K. Fuller, who resigned under pressure in May. Members of the coalition board's executive committee asked her to step down after staffers complained of unpaid overtime and poor management.

A report put out by state officials outlined a host of areas to be addressed, including the need to raise more money, revamp job descriptions and improve communication.

Applications ran the gamut. Roger Waters of Rockville, Md. lists as his most recent job: "Defense Intelligence Agency, Regional Assessments Office, Deputy Chief, Iraq Intelligence Cell, Pentagon, Va."

"I've been here for 10 years, and I'm tired of the grind. I go to a NASCAR race getting on the beltway every morning," said Waters, who is originally from Gainesville.

Christopher Hodges' resume lists him as a producer and videographer for WFLA-TV. Among his references? Anchor Gayle Sierens.

Charlie I. White of Tampa says he used to be general manager of the largest wholesale auto auction in the world.

Iqbal Tariq Aman said he has worked for multinational oil companies for 25 years and now lives in Pakistan.

Also in the field are few people with government connections: Michelle Boylan of Tampa, who was a clerk for then-Circuit Judge Dick Greco Jr. and County Judge Paul L. Huey and managed campaigns for state Rep. Kevin Ambler and newly elected Tampa City Council member Joseph Caetano.

Social services also were represented. Yolanda Cairo lists her latest job as a case coordinator on the Child Protection Team Network in Tampa. David J. Barzelay of New Port Richey is director for development for the Center of Independence Inc./ARCPasco Foundation. He is a former director of the Pasco Hernando Community College Foundation.

An ad hoc committee of coalition board members will meet Thursday to screen the resumes. Those making the initial cut will be sent to the executive committee, which will then decide whom to interview. The board hopes to have a new director in place by August.

Board members got some guidance this week from state Sen. Mike Fasano, who urged them to pick someone with no ties to the two counties in order to unify the coalition, which has had problems since two separate governing groups merged in 2005.

"In doing this, I hope that we can forge a stronger bond on the coalition between members from Pasco and Hernando counties," he wrote in a letter to committee members. "I am trying to avoid creating legislation that would separate the two counties, therefore a neutral executive director, to me, would be ideal."

Lisa Buie can be reached at 813 909-4604 or toll free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4604. Her e-mail address is buie@sptimes.com.

[Last modified July 13, 2007, 22:38:30]