All Star Children’s Foundation Selects New CEO

July 12, 2023 – Sarasota

After an eight-month search, All Star Children’s Foundation’s board of directors has appointed Denise Marzullo, MBA, LMHC, as its new CEO. Marzullo most recently served as the president and CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Duval in Jacksonville.

“Denise brings a wealth of expertise, education and vision to All Star that will take us to new levels,” says Graci McGillicuddy, ASCF board chair and founder. “She offers valuable experience from a variety of perspectives and has tremendous experience as an executive and leader. Denise achieved record success managing a $100 million annual budget and ensuring the organization’s fiscal integrity. While Denise has amazing credentials, a wealth of experience, background, and knowledge it is her love for children that makes her the perfect person to lead All Star as we embark on our next chapter.”

“I am thrilled to be joining All Star at such a pivotal moment of growth,” says Marzullo. “Working together with our compassionate and talented staff, we will continue to improve the experience of children living in foster care through direct trauma-informed services, advocacy, and supportive care for children and their families.”

Before her tenure at the Early Learning Coalition of Duval, Marzullo served as an adjunct psychology professor at Barry University in Jacksonville. She was also the President & CEO of Mental Health America of Northeast Florida (2010-2017).  Her role at MHA included developing and maintaining sound financial practices for the organization, grant writing, fundraising, and establishing corporate partnerships. While at the organization, Marzullo led a statewide mental health advocacy initiative, working collaboratively with community leaders, consumers, families, mental health professionals and state senators and representatives. Earlier work experience includes serving as a children’s clinical director at Northwest Behavioral Health Services in Jacksonville; as the clinical supervisor/EAP coordinator for Family Foundations in Jacksonville; and as a child therapist and team leader for the Mental Health Resource Center in Jacksonville.

Marzullo recently served as the board chair for the Association of Early Learning Coalitions and was a board member and finance committee member for the Jacksonville System of Care Initiative. She received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Leo University (2009); a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) from the University of North Florida (1998); and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in sociology at Clemson University (1995).

All Star Children’s Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to interrupting the intergenerational cycle of abuse and neglect with children and families in foster care. All Star’s clinical team treats children and their families with trauma-informed, evidence-based therapies. Its five-acre Sarasota campus features six foster homes and a state-of-the-art clinical center. All Star also equips foster parents with training and skills to navigate the challenges of children who have been separated from their biological families. For more information, visit www.allstarchildren.org.