Chairman's Message/CEO's Message

Board Chairman - Bryan Desloge

On February 2, 2012 the ELC received word that Governor Scott appointed Bryan Desloge as our new board chair. Bryan, who also serves as a Leon County Commissioner and President of Desloge Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment, has been actively involved with The Early Learning Coalition Board as a Board member since 2011. Bryan has shown his commitment to the board and the communities served by the ELC. “I am honored to serve the children, families, and child care providers on behalf of Governor Scott. The Early Learning Coalition provides vital services to our community and we have a very engaged, passionate Board of Directors and talented, committed staff. I look forward to working with them to promote children’s readiness for school and family success”.

Chief Executive Officer - Matt Guse

On April 9, 2013, The Board of the Directors of the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) announced that Matt Guse has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the organization. This appointment was made after an extensive six week search process. Bryan Desloge, Chair of the coalition’s Board of Directors, stated, “We appreciate the amazing number of interested candidates who applied for the CEO position. At the end of the day, the search committee believes that Matt possesses the necessary skills and leadership abilities to ensure the continued success of the organization and its mission to provide high quality services to the seven counties the coalition serves.” On his appointment, Matt said, “I am so appreciative of this opportunity. I am committed to the success of the ELC, the families we serve and the almost 300 child care providers that we partner with. I will spend every day ensuring we are a customer focused, high functioning and results oriented organization within our community.”

Matt had been serving as the Interim Director after the departure of Lauren Faison in February. Prior to the Interim CEO position, Matt was the Program Services Director of the ELC and oversaw all coalition services related to customer eligibility, contracts and the screening and assessment of all children enrolled in ELC programs. Prior to joining the ELC, Matt was the Assistant Director, and for a short time the Interim Director, of Florida’s Office of Early Learning where he managed the day to day operations.

Previous to his work in early learning, Matt was the Deputy Education Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice. He also has experience working in the Community Based Care System, nonprofit organizations and public education. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of the University of Central Florida. Matt has been married to his wife Shannon for 17 years and they have two children, Morgan 13 and Mitchell 10.