After seven years of dedicated service, Dr. Liz Elliott’s time on the KDP National Board has officially come to a close, but her impact continues to inspire us all. Dr. Elliott is honored in this photo by Dr. Misty Hathcock, Past Board President, and Tonja Eagan, CEO, with a special painting of her beloved cat Abigail, who attended many virtual KDP meetings over the years.

Liz began her Board service in 2018 and completed three terms, along with an additional year as President-Elect, President, and Past President. In total, she served seven years as a national Board Officer. During her first term as President, Liz led the national search that resulted in the hiring of KDP’s current CEO, Tonja Eagan. She guided the organization through a three-year global pandemic and played a critical role in KDP’s restructuring and rebranding. In her second term, Liz led the sale of KDP’s national office building and the transition to the current leased headquarters. Her leadership also brought about the most diverse Board in KDP history, including the addition of two financial experts from outside the education field to strengthen fiscal oversight.

A proud KDP member since May 5, 1995, Liz is celebrating 30 years of membership in 2025. From her early days teaching in the Florida Keys to her role as Professor Emeritus at Florida Gulf Coast University, Liz has been a tireless advocate for children and a champion in preparing future educators. She served for 17 years as the KDP Counselor of the Omega Epsilon Chapter at FGCU, during which the chapter received numerous national awards for excellence. She also directed the Little Eagles Learning Center, an Educational Research Center for Child Development at FGCU, providing vital leadership during the pandemic.

Beyond her chapter and Board service, Liz has held multiple roles within KDP, including Chapter Vice President, National Chair of the Budget Committee, and member of the Convo Steering and Chapter Services Committees. She has presented at every Convo since 2005 and is also a published author in The KDP Record.

In March 2025, Liz received KDP’s highest honor, the Dr. William C. Bagley Award for Leadership Excellence. She is also a proud member of the esteemed Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter.

Thank you, Liz, for 30 incredible years of service, mentorship, leadership, and unwavering passion for education. Your legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of KDP, and we are forever grateful. 💜