Spring Hill (March 21, 2022) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Bimal Bhojani as Chair, and Jacob Horner and Manuel “Manny” Santana as gubernatorial appointees to the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. Since 2005, the Coalition’s purpose has been to establish a supportive community for children to succeed in school and in life. “We are delighted to recognize our new Governor appointees to our Board of Directors”, said Executive Director, Steve Knobl, Ph.D. “Bimal has served on our Board since 2018 and has exhibited keen insight into the importance of early learning as well as being an integral part of the Coalition’s strategic vision. As an entrepreneur, Bimal brings past experiences as an economist and for more than 10 years he was the previous owner of a Kids R Kids large childcare facility located in Wesley Chapel. We appreciate Jacob’s ongoing service as a board member and his expertise working for both the Florida Department of State and the Governor’s Office. As a leader in
Government Affairs with Nemours and a proud father of two young children, he understands the value of high-quality early learning. We’re also thrilled to welcome Manny Santana, who has a dedicated career in both military and law enforcement professions. He is passionate about helping children and families and serving our community.”
Bimal Bhojani
Bhojani, of Wesley Chapel, is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer of Raining Berries LLC. He was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Kids ‘R’ Kids Preschool. He is currently an Executive Committee board member for the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties and a member of the Chamber of Commerce for North Tampa.
Jacob Horner
Horner, of Sorrento, is the Director of External Affairs at Nemours Children’s Health. He has prior experience working for both the Florida Department of State and the Executive Office of the Governor. He was previously Chair of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties. Horner earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Florida State University.
Manuel “Manny” Santana
Santana is currently a Police Officer with the Tampa Bay Police Department and is a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He is currently a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Police Benevolent Association. Santana received his Associate’s degree in air transportation from Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor’s degree in criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
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About the Coalition: The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. is a 501c3 organization and one of 30 Early Learning Coalitions in Florida.
Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program is for all children who are four-years old on or before September 1. School Readiness provides subsidized
childcare for low-to-moderate income working families. The Coalition serves 12,000 children between infancy and twelve-years old, working with
more than 300 providers in both counties.