Meet Our Executive Director

 
Steve Knobl. Ph.D.
 
"A strong start in the earliest years of a child's life lays the foundation for their future. Quality early childhood experiences are key to helping kids to grow up healthy, productive, and contributing citizens to the economy. Eighty-five percent of brain growth occurs by the time a child is 4, and high-quality early childhood education is critically important for all children. I applaud the many leaders throughout the state that are champions for our early learners." 
 
 
Dr. Knobl has been an educational leader for over 25 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Central Florida, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of South Florida.
 

He began his teaching career as an Elementary School teacher. He also taught and coached at the Middle and High School level. He was a Middle and High School Principal. After more than 18 years with the Pasco County School System, he accepted an Academic Dean position with Rasmussen College. After a year, he was promoted by the college and became the Campus President of a new campus. He went on to oversee both Pasco County locations before resigning in 2016.

After his 4 year stint in private education, he accepted the Executive Director role for the ELC of Hillsborough County. As of January 2018, Dr. Knobl has been serving as the Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. and looks forward to focusing his team and Board of Directors on our youngest citizens. He resides in Pasco County with his wife Laura who is a first-grade teacher and his sons, Drew, 18 years old, and Nathan, 15 years old.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, crossfit, going to the beach, and hanging out with family and friends.

Steve always has time to read to growing minds!