http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/25/news_pf/Pasco/Agency_leader_hits_th.shtml
Agency leader hits the ground running
Jim Farrelly’s high energy and family values equip him for the challenging role.
By Lisa Buie, Times Staff Writer
Published February 25, 2008
SPRING HILL
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Jim Farrelly is an experienced marathon runner. Good thing. He has a long road to negotiate if he expects to remake the agency that oversees early-childhood programs in Pasco and Hernando counties. Even he recognizes it. “It’s not going to be an outstanding year,” he said. “But we’re certainly on the road back.” In the end, however, Farrelly not only expects to revive the Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition, but he plans to make it thrive.
“I’ve got my eye on being No. 1 in the state of Florida,” said Farrelly, whose most recent job was heading a nonprofit agency that provides guardians to incapacitated adults in New Jersey. “Give me time.”
Those who work closely with Farrelly already are heaping on the praise.
“I never thought such a breath of fresh air could come out of New Jersey,” joked Lisa Hammond, chairwoman of the volunteer board that oversees the coalition.
In January, Farrelly took over as executive of the coalition. The nonprofit agency oversees day care centers that serve low-income children and those who participate in the voluntary pre-kindergarten program open to everyone.
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After reviewing about 90 resumes, board members settled on Farrelly, a 58-year-old native New Yorker and former school superintendent.
Until he flew in for his job interview last fall, he had never “set foot in Pasco or Hernando,” he proudly pointed out to board members during his first official meeting last month.
He has dubbed 2008 a year of “R and R.” In Farrelly speak, that means reorganization and rebuilding.
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“This man is a blessing,” the agency’s quality manager, Noreen St. Jean, said after Farrelly attended his first board meeting.
All the hard work has left Farrelly little time to train for marathons, although he still runs most days at 5 a.m.
“I’ve retired from marathons,” he said. “I’m only going to do half-marathons from now on.”
Lisa Buie can be reached at {Extraneous Deleted} or 813 909-4604.
Just call him Jim
Name: James Farrelly. He prefers Jim.
Age: “A vibrant 58,” he says.
Title: Executive director, Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition.
Background: Born in the Bronx, grew up a few blocks from Yankee Stadium. Went from high school straight to the Army in the Vietnam era. Served in Germany. Went to college on the G.I. Bill.
Education: Undergraduate degree in secondary education/history, Manhattan College, New York City, 1974. Master’s degree in special education, the College of New Rochelle, 1976. Completed course requirements for doctorate in educational psychology from Rutgers University, 1986. He was awarded the diplomate in educational administration in 1994.
Experience: Teacher, New York City public schools, 1974-76; special education teacher, Spotswood Public High School, N.J., 1976-80; Served in school administration, 1981-2001. Also, worked as an educational consultant, 1995-2003; executive director, Volunteer Guardianship One-on-One, 2003-07.
Family: Wife, Elizabeth, a physician specializing in internal medicine, and four daughters ages 19, 21, 24 and 25.
Hobbies: Runs six mornings a week, enjoys Major League Baseball and landscape architecture. Is a self-described CNN junkie.
Learn more
For information about the Pasco Hernando Early Learning Coalition’s programs, visit www.phelc.org or call (727) 233-8291 or toll-free at 1-866-979-9444.
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Farrelly, James (MC1974)
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