Seven to be interviewed to lead children's board

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 11, 2007

A committee of the board that oversees programs for the youngest children in Pasco and Hernando counties will interview seven finalists for its executive director job Wednesday.

Members of the Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition executive committee will begin the interviews, which are open to the public, at 8 a.m. in conference room B at Career Central, 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd.

The new chief will take over an agency that has been fractured in the two years since the two county groups merged. One director resigned and his successor was fired this past spring amid staff complaints of poor management.

Tensions grew so heated that state Sen. Mike Fasano once offered to file legislation to separate the counties, but later backed off and urged the coalition to hire someone without ties to either coalition. Board members now say they are looking for a director who is adept at management, public relations and fundraising, especially in the wake of shrinking government budgets.

The candidates are:

William P. McCarty, a Palm Harbor real estate agent who formerly headed the Children's Home Society in Tampa.

Susan Milne, who is the director of the Beaufort County Alliance for Human Services in South Carolina.

Tish Thomas, executive director of the Charlotte Local Education Foundation in Punta Gorda.

Richard Aubry Jr., a consultant with the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota.

Patti J. Miller, a grant resource specialist with the Pasco County School District.

Richard Luger, a director at the Harbor of Citrus County.

James J. Farrelly, a New Jersey school administrator who works as director of a non-profit guardianship agency.

[Last modified September 11, 2007, 01:47:15]