Men on the Scene: Philip Tavill

Seeing the impact his father’s work as a physician in public health had on people’s lives sparked Philip Tavill’s desire to help others prevail over their life circumstances. That ambition led Tavill to earn dual masters degrees at Case Western University in social work and nonprofit management. He began his career in vocational rehabilitation where he developed a particular interest in aiding people living in poverty with a focus on very young children. When an opportunity came to work with Children First in Sarasota, he didn’t hesitate. As its President and CEO, he will lead the agency in celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2021.

Children First’s mission is to serve children from pregnancy through age five, helping them to be kindergarten-ready and providing a basis for success in life, while assisting their families, who live below the poverty level, achieve goals that move them toward self-sufficiency. Tavill’s leadership has created a mission-focused organization where everyone’s purpose is to support the Teachers and Family Advocates who work directly with the children and families. That dedication has helped Children First earn recognition as a Program of Excellence from the National Head Start Association, a rare honor currently given to only nine of more than 1,800 Head Start programs nationally. The accolades keep coming. Children First was awarded WEDU’s Nonprofit of the Year at its 2019 Be More Awards and is recognized as one of the top 30 best places to work in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The most important thing in his life is spending time with his three grown children who now live in Colorado. Tavill unwinds by riding his bicycle, kayaking, connecting with nature, traveling, and doing a little glass blowing.