The Florida Coalition for Children has tapped Denise Marzullo to serve as President and CEO-designate, setting the stage for her to succeed Kurt Kelly, the current leader.
Marzullo, who holds an MBA and is a licensed mental health counselor, brings more than 17 years of experience spanning child welfare, early learning, mental health and the state juvenile justice system.
“Denise brings an exceptional depth of experience, vision, and heart to this role. Her proven leadership across child welfare, behavioral health, and early learning — combined with her commitment to community-based solutions — makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Coalition into its next chapter,” Kelly said.
“I am confident that working alongside Denise during this transition will ensure a strong, seamless handoff and continued momentum for our members and the children and families we serve.”
Marzullo comes to the Coalition after leading All Star Children’s Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides trauma-informed therapeutic services for children in foster care. During her tenure as CEO, the organization expanded campus-based programming, strengthened public-private partnerships, and advanced research-driven trauma screening and treatment models for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Marzullo previously led the Early Learning Coalition of Duval and chaired the Association of Early Learning Coalitions. Earlier in her career, Marzullo served as President and CEO of Mental Health America of Northeast Florida, where she founded the Florida Mental Health Summit and led statewide advocacy efforts.
“I am honored to join the Florida Coalition for Children at such a pivotal moment. The Coalition’s mission to advocate for Florida’s most vulnerable children deeply aligns with my professional experience and personal values,” Marzullo said.
“I look forward to working closely with Kurt, the Board, and our members during this transition and to building upon FCC’s strong foundation to advance a child welfare system that is responsive, collaborative, and focused on lasting outcomes for children and families across Florida.”
