FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information contact:
Angie Stringer
CHILDREN FIRST
1723 N. Orange Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 953-3877, ext. 124
(941) 400-4605 - cell
CHILDREN FIRST ANNOUNCES
NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
Sarasota, Florida (January, 2012) – Children First is pleased to announce the appointment of new officers for their Board of Directors: Jo Rutstein, Chair; Leslie A. Jones, Vice-Chair; Barbara G. Benson, Treasurer; M. David Shapiro, Secretary; and Nola J. Hietbrink, Chair Emeritus. These committed volunteers will lead the Board of Directors in supporting Children First to continue providing high quality services to those most in need in our community.
Jo Rutstein is a realtor with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and a member of The National Board of Realtors, The Sarasota Realtor Association, Women’s Council of Realtors, and The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing. Jo is in her fourth year of service on the Children First Board of Directors. She and her husband Stan have been involved with Children First for many years.
Children First is also happy to announce that Carol A. Hallinger has returned as a member of the Board of Directors.
Other members for the 2012 Board of Directors include: Captain Jeff Bell, Danzey Allen, Dr. Kathryn Stuckey, Brock H. Leach, Leah Genn (S.T.A.R. Student), and Lacy Ray, Jr. The 2011-2012 Parent Policy Council Chair is Mark Gauthier.
Philip Tavill, President & CEO, is “thrilled to have a group of such committed individuals guiding our organization into the future. I am overwhelmed by the commitment level of our entire Board of Directors.”
Founded in 1961, Children First has been serving Sarasota County for 50 years. Each year the organization serves over 600 of our county’s neediest children, ages birth – five years. Children First prepares children for kindergarten through their Early Head Start, Head Start and early childhood programs; as well as offering a variety of parenting programs. These full-day services are offered at 12 locations throughout Sarasota County. Recently designated as one of top 22 Programs of Excellence in the country, out of 2,700 similar programs, the agency continues to fulfill its mission of, “strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well being.” For additional information about Children First contact Angie Stringer at or (941) 953-3877, ext. 124.