Easter Seals South Florida has named Loreen Chant as president and CEO.
In this role, Chant will be responsible for leading and growing the organization as an outstanding provider of services for people with disabilities or special needs and their families.
To address the growing gap between public funding and the cost of providing exceptional quality services, Chant will lead the organization’s annual fundraising efforts and engage community leaders and public agencies to help fulfill Easter Seals’ mission of providing exceptional services so that children and adults living with autism, Alzheimer’s and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our community.
Chant comes to Easter Seals South Florida after a successful 22-year career with Johnson & Wales University, most recently serving as president of the North Miami Campus since 2008. She led the growth and development of the campus into a thriving $100 million, 29-acre facility serving nearly 2,000 students from all over the world.
Ryder System executive vice president and chief legal officer Bob Fatovic, who serves as board chair of Easter Seals South Florida, said, “We are extremely fortunate to have Loreen Chant guide our organization at this critical juncture of growing need and reduced public funding. Easter Seals of South Florida provides life-changing support to thousands of individuals with disabilities and special needs at both ends of the age spectrum, and demand for services is rapidly growing as baby boomers move into their latter years.
“Under her proven leadership and with the continued support of our South Florida community, we look forward to helping more people cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one’s special needs while balancing the complex home and workplace demands facing families today.”
As a leader in the South Florida community, Chant has formed effective alliances with local municipalities and their residents on significant community enhancements and service initiatives, including partnerships with local elementary schools and nonprofits aimed at reducing incidence of childhood obesity. In addition, Chant served on the board of the United Way of Miami-Dade and currently is a vice chair for Health Foundation of South Florida.
In these roles, Chant has been an effective and passionate advocate for funding programs that meet pressing community needs.
She resides in Pompano Beach with her husband and three children.
With the support of over 800 volunteers, Easter Seals South Florida staff touches over 2,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families each year in Miami- Dade and Broward counties.
To make a donation, visit online at www.southflorida.easterseals.com.
