Two New Members Join the Manatee Literacy Council’s Board

Bradenton – The Manatee Literacy Council announced the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors. The new members were elected during the organization’s July 2023 board meeting.

“We are honored to welcome two outstanding members of our community to the Manatee Literacy Council Board.  They each bring a wealth of personal and professional knowledge and passion to our mission of empowering Manatee County residents to independence through literacy.” MLC Executive Director Michelle Desveaux McLean said. “We’re grateful for their dedication to the cause of improving literacy within Manatee County.” The new board members are Ericka Dow and Kyle Peters.

Ericka Dow is the supervisor of Information Services at Manatee Library and a graduate of Florida State University (BA in History, MA in Information Studies). She has 20 years’ of experience working in public libraries, with a focus on developing digital and print information resources, research, workforce and small business initiatives, archival management, and staff development. Ericka is a two-time winner of awards from the Florida Library Association. She has also contributed to the community over the years by volunteering with Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Project TEACH, Manatee History Fair, League of Women Voters of Sarasota, and Meals on Wheels. She is originally from Tallahassee, FL but partially grew up in Sarasota, FL where she graduated from Sarasota High School. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, cross-stitching, visiting art exhibits, container gardening, and reading non-fiction and biography.

Kyle Peters is the coordinator of Florida Operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Born and raised in Florida, Kyle has always been passionate about sports business. Since starting college at the University of Central Florida, he has been working in the sport and hospitality industries and has gained invaluable experience. However, his love for sports is not just limited to work; he also enjoys experiencing games in his free time, typically in new environments. In addition, he has dedicated his time to volunteering with several organizations focused on cancer awareness, using his platform to make a positive impact in his community.”

The Manatee Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization serving Manatee County since 1978. It offers a variety of free English language learning programs through personal tutoring and small group classes. It also supports adult basic education, workplace, digital, citizenship and financial competency. Volunteer tutors have helped some  thousands adult students learn through their programs and are always needed. Manatee Literacy Council’s Board for Directors is chaired by Roger Boos.  If you are interested in finding out more about Manatee Literacy Council, please reach us at [email protected].