Community Spotlight: Gregory Glore

Following an exemplary career as a consumer product and marketing executive for several major corporations, Gregory Glore has settled into retirement by sharing his vast and deep business knowledge - as well as his passion for social justice - with a plethora of non-profit organizations, one of which is Flance Early Learning Center. “Flance is extremely lucky to have someone as thoughtful, resourceful and accomplished as Gregory in our corner. He brings a wealth of insight and knowledge, which is helping Flance, a young organization, move to the next level,” says Tami Timmer, Flance’s Executive Director. “I’m grateful for his counsel and leadership as we strengthen and expand our programs and services.”

Glore comes by his interest in early childhood education naturally.  Both his mother and grandmother were educators, and Glore recognized early on the profound impact of teachers on their young students.  He relays this story about one of America’s most respected authors of children’s literature: “When Patricia McKissack was in first grade, her teacher regularly encouraged her with these words: ‘Patricia, you have a great imagination, never stop using it.’ She was also told that she was capable of being and doing anything she wanted. The teacher encouraging Ms. McKissack was my mother, Evelyn Glore-Ashford.” As we all know, McKissack went on to write many books for children, and McKissack herself credits those early educational experiences with Mrs. Glore-Ashford as instrumental to her success as a writer. 

With a family background steeped in education, Glore has committed himself to supporting educational causes.  “As I investigated the influences and experiences that determine whether children thrive or falter in their educational journeys, I have come to realize the importance of early intervention,” says Glore.  “The first 5 years of a child’s life are critical. If children enter kindergarten unprepared, they have a difficult time keeping pace. And if they are not reading by the third grade, they are four times more likely to drop out before finishing high school. It is essential that we reach children - especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds - early.  At Flance, we are focused on providing all of the skills children need for success – physical, social-emotional and academic. Our curriculum embraces these vital areas.”

Glore is strategic when it comes to deciding whether or not to become involved with an organization. He participated in Flance’s Development Committee for several years prior to joining as a full member. “This approach allowed me to discover the depth of commitment of the staff, faculty and other Board members.” While serving on the committee, he learned that Flance is an organization in which everyone involved is committed to creating systemic change. “When you enter Flance Early Learning Center, you witness the mission in action – from the dedicated teachers to the chef who prepares nourishing meals, to the volunteers – everyone is committed to nurturing and educating children. That sense of commitment is very inspiring.”

Flance opened its doors to children and families in 2014.  Glore is impressed with how much has been accomplished in just seven years, especially since almost two of those years have been impacted by the pandemic. Says Glore: “Under the leadership of our Executive Director, Tami Timmer, Flance’s program was accredited in 2021. In addition, the organization has doubled down on services provided, not only keeping the doors open, but also expanding programs that help families and neighbors. I am proud to be part of this organization, and I encourage everyone to support Flance through contributions of their time, money and in advocating for early childhood education. Now more than ever, we must support our children – all of our kids deserve a great start in life. They are our future, and they will be the measure of our success.”