With an appointment from Florida Governor Rick Scott, TECO Director of Audit Services Luke Buzard enters 2016 with an additional set of responsibilities through April as a member of the board of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC).
Guiding a $72 million annual operating budget, the ELCHC undertakes a variety of efforts related to early learning. They include informing and educating parents about early learning opportunities for their children; helping connect parents to early learning-related resources; encouraging professional development for childcare providers; and more.
Buzard, father of three, learned of his appointment late last year and called it a major honor.
“The very early years of a child’s life are so critical and delicate – every child deserves to have a loving and educational environment to start on the right path, just as every parent deserves the resources to know the fundamentals for providing that environment,” Buzard said. “That’s especially true for families in financial need.”
Previously, Buzard served for seven years as chair of the Accounting Circle Board at the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the University of South Florida. He was also a member of Class IV of the Connect Florida Institute, a program within Leadership Florida geared towards connecting leaders throughout the state to educate community leaders on the issues important to Florida’s future. His term with the ELCHC runs through April 30, 2016.
Buzard said his participation with the ELCHC includes a focus on building wider societal recognition of the need to prioritize high-quality early learning.
“I believe our communities and our institutions are beginning to better understand the personal and societal benefits of ensuring everyone has these opportunities, but we have much more to do to extend that awareness in the community and act upon it,” he said.
Buzard had special words of thanks for his wife and company, which encourages its team members at all levels to help members of the community in need.
“TECO is a fundamental part of the Tampa area and has been for a long time,” Buzard said. “I feel privileged to represent an organization with team members who are sought out in community organizations such as the ELCHC because we’re such a respected organization. I truly believe we’re all obligated to look for ways to give back to people in need – and that includes working to make the best possible opportunities available for the next generation.”
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