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 almost 3 decades. 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 has experience as an Elementary, Middle, and High School Teacher and coached several boys and girls sports for 5 years. He was a Middle and High School Principal. After more than 18 years with the Pasco County School System, his career shifted to a private college. He served the Pasco County Campuses for 4 years as an Academic Dean, Campus President, and Regional Campus President.

In 2016, he accepted the CEO role for the ELC of Hillsborough County. As of January 2018, Dr. Knobl serves as the Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. and leads his team and Board of Directors to provide high quality early childhood education programs to nearly 9500 children each day.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, exercise, getting lost in a great book, going to the beach, and hanging out with family and friends.