Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, CareerSource Florida announced the appointment of 16 leaders in industry, education and workforce development to serve on the state’s newly created Credentials Review Committee. Empowered by the 2021 Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act, the Credentials Review Committee’s work will bring additional rigor and accountability to the state’s workforce and education systems.

“As Governor, I set a goal of making Florida the best state in the nation for workforce development by 2030, and to help us meet that goal, we are utilizing every resource available across state agencies, colleges, universities and the private sector,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This year, I am grateful that the Legislature passed transformational workforce development legislation that focuses on creating more opportunities for Floridians. Today, I’m proud to announce that 16 leaders in education and workforce development have been appointed to the Credential Review Committee where they will focus on strengthening and modernizing our state’s workforce and making sure every Florida family has an opportunity to succeed.”

“I called on the Florida House this year to make our state’s workforce system work for Floridians, and they mapped out a blueprint that wholly transformed the system,” said House Speaker Chris Sprowls. “With the help of Governor DeSantis, ours will soon be the best career and education support program in the entire nation. I am thrilled to see the appointment of these experts to the Credentials Review Committee, and I look forward to seeing the rest of our blueprint come to life as we prepare Florida for a brighter tomorrow.”

Newly appointed committee members are:

  • Timothy Beard, Ph.D., President, Pasco Hernando State College
  • Mike Biskie, Director of Human Resources, B&I Contractors
  • Robert Boyd, President and CEO, Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida
  • Kevin Carr, CEO, FloridaMakes
  • Marshall Criser, Chancellor, State University System
  • Katie Crofoot, Director of the Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help, Executive Office of the Governor
  • Katherine Goletz, Deputy Director of External Affairs, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Lloyd Gregg, Vice President of Spaceflight Support Services, ASRC Federal
  • Jennifer Grove, Vice President of External Relations, Baptist Health Care
  • Diane Head, Executive Director, CareerSource North Florida
  • Kathy Hebda, Chancellor, Florida College System
  • Adrienne Johnston, Deputy Secretary, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
  • Henry Mack, Chancellor, Florida Department of Education Division of Career and Adult Education
  • Jacob Oliva, Senior Chancellor, Florida Department of Education Division of Public Schools
  • Casey Penn, Chief, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Bureau of One Stop and Program Support
  • James Taylor, CEO, Florida Technology Council

Two additional nominees, AC4S Technologies President Hugh Campbell of Tampa and Full Sail University Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Debbie Magruder of Winter Park, will be considered for appointment by the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors at its Sept. 15 meeting.

The Credentials Review Committee will establish a definition for credentials of value and create a framework of quality in the development of a new Master Credentials List among its other responsibilities. The Master Credentials List must be approved by the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors then submitted to the State Board of Education.

“CareerSource Florida is honored to support the Credentials Review Committee in its important work to ensure Floridians receive high-quality workforce training and education that enables them to succeed in well-paying, in-demand careers,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “On behalf of our state board, we applaud Governor DeSantis for his commitment to making Florida No. 1 in the nation for workforce education and our legislative leaders, in partnership with the Governor, for enabling that vision through Florida’s landmark REACH Act.”

Unanimously approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis in June, the REACH Act seeks to better align the state’s education and workforce systems with a focus on equity and efficiency to achieve a stronger, more competitive Florida.

“The Department of Education values the collaboration with our partners at CareerSource Florida and the state Department of Economic Opportunity,” said Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. “The Credentials Review Committee allows us to strengthen our world-class higher education system through increased transparency and accountability. Together, we will continue to lead the nation in workforce education and development, securing high-quality careers for our students and supporting our in-demand industries.”

“Governor DeSantis set an important goal of making Florida No. 1 in the country for workforce education by 2030,” said Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. “I am confident the new Credentials Review Committee, along with the REACH Act, will position our education and workforce system to push Florida closer to the Governor’s goal.”

The Credentials Review Committee’s first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 from 1-4 p.m. ET.