JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 8, 2022 – Episcopal Children’s Services is pleased to announce the election of Chief Administrative Officer, Temple DePlato to the Florida Head Start Association’s (FHSA) Board of Directors. DePlato was elected to fill the seat of Mary Grace Romo who was recently promoted to another position. DePlato will serve with 13 other board members, whose mission is to enhance and support the capability of local Head Start programs in the delivery of high-quality services for children and families in the state of Florida.
DePlato brings her skills in Human Resources, organizational management and early learning expertise to the FHSA board, along with vast knowledge of the North and Central Florida communities. She has served Episcopal Children’s Services in a variety of roles over the past 15 years ranging from Classroom Teacher, Center Manager, Quality Improvement Specialist and Human Resources Manager. She is currently the agency’s Chief Administrative Officer, a position she has held since August of 2020.
“I am thrilled to serve as a member of the board. My people-centric nature and systems approach has helped me learn how to deliver sustainable quality improvement initiatives,” said DePlato. “I enjoy working with a collaborative group of leaders to find innovative solutions. This is an exciting, new opportunity to serve, and I look forward to continuing to elevate the voices for whom we advocate.”
Before being elected to the Board of Directors, DePlato served on the FHSA membership committee and saw firsthand the impact FHSA can have supporting Head Start Programs in local communities throughout the state.
“Temple brings so much to the ECS team, I am delighted she will continue to share her experience and expertise on the state level as an elected member of the board,” ECS Chief Executive Officer Connie Stophel commented. “Her commitment to improving the lives of the children in Northeast and Central Florida will no doubt be an asset to the wonderful team at the Florida Head Start Association.”
The FHSA Board of Directors heartily welcomed Temple, whose 18-month term begins immediately with the first Board of Directors meeting on July 19.
About Episcopal Children’s Services
Episcopal Children’s Services serves more than 25,000 children and their families in 14 counties in Florida. ECS offers School Readiness, Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Marion, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Citrus and Alachua counties.
ECS uses research and best practices to help families ensure their children enter school ready to learn. Talented, dedicated teachers and staff work proactively with children from birth to age five and their families to build a strong educational foundation.