TAMPA, FL (November 14, 2022) — The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) Board of Directors announces the finalization of the contract to secure the appointment of Dr. Fred Hicks as new Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Hicks will begin work on November 14 after finalizing his tenure as SVP of Technology & Cybersecurity from the Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade, where he served for over 14 years.

“This is a new day for our Coalition, and we are excited about the enthusiasm Dr. Hicks brings to his role as well as his impressive experience, “says Board Chair Aakash Patel. “We believe he will inspire and motivate our team to new levels of excellence which benefits not just our providers but the children and families we serve as our Mission,” he added.

During October 17th board meeting, three finalists were interviewed, and Dr. Fred Hicks was selected as the next Chief Executive Officer in a majority vote.

A 60-day introduction plan has been established to introduce Dr. Hicks to the community and prepare him for the service of Hillsborough County. He will meet with local elected officials, providers of programming and leadership within the community.

“I am looking forward to hitting the ground running focusing on ensuring every child’s readiness for school. All children need certain tools to succeed, it is our job to provide those tools. The Early Learning Coalition will build a stronger nexus with our early education providers, their teachers, and I’m looking forward to strengthening our respect for all parents as first teachers. We will actively leave our offices to meet the community where they are as we work on the common goal of ensuring every child is ready for school and life. We will collaborate with everyone to build directed resources for every child’s success in every zip code. My energy is infused with the Early Learning Coalition’s Board of Directors, commitment to ensure that children are safe, supported, and successful, “ says Dr. Fred Hicks, Chief Executive Officer, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.

Dr. Hicks earned his bachelor’s at Loyola University of New Orleans, a master’s degree and a doctorate of business administration in information security at St. Thomas University in Miami.

###

Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) Established by the State Legislature, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting school and life success for young children and their families through quality school readiness services and supports. The ELCHC administers School Readiness and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs in Hillsborough County, offers teacher trainings and coaching, and provides Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) along with other services that daily serve more than 22,000 children and their families.4