Lorita Shirley

Lorita Shirley has a diverse and extensive work experience in the child welfare sector. Lorita started their career in 1991 at the Florida Department of Children and Families, where they worked as a Program Administrator for 12 years. In 2003, they joined Heartland for Children as an Assistant Executive Director, overseeing the operational functions and program development in a three-county area.

In 2008, Lorita joined Eckerd Connects, where they held multiple leadership roles. Lorita began as the Chief of Performance & Quality, responsible for overseeing quality, contracts, data, and innovation. Lorita also assisted the President/CEO in developing the annual strategic and operating plan and created the balanced scorecard metrics for all programs.

Later, Lorita became the Chief of Community Based Care, leading the oversight of Circuit 6 and Circuit 13 Community Based Care Lead Agencies. In this role, they established strategic direction and business plans for direct service programs and generated new business opportunities through grants and competitive procurement.

Additionally, Lorita served as an Executive Director at Eckerd Connects, overseeing the Community Based Care Child Welfare Lead Agencies in Hillsborough County and Pinellas and Pasco counties. Lorita had fiscal, administrative, and operational responsibilities and provided supervision for the Child Welfare executive management staff.

Overall, Lorita Shirley's work experience demonstrates their expertise in child welfare, leadership, program development, and financial management.

Lorita Shirley obtained a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Florida State University in 1991. Lorita later pursued a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Clinical/Medical Social Work at the same institution, completing their degree in 2008.