[Nfbf-l] Organizational developments

[REPCODDS at aol.com]

FYI  Refer to the  following e-mail from Joyce.





  
____________________________________
 From: Hildreth, Joyce 
Sent: Saturday,  April 03, 2010 3:14 PM
To: #$DBS_ALL_USERS
Subject:  Organizational developments



Hello DBS Colleagues:
 
It is time to pause and catch everyone up on the major changes  that have 
occurred over the past few months.  
 
First, please join me in congratulating Mike  Gunde, Bureau Chief of the 
Braille and Talking  Book Library, on his  upcoming retirement effective June 
30, 2010.  Under Mike's leadership,  the Braille  and Talking Book Library  
grew to be the largest library of its kind in  the country.  His commitment 
to service has been consistent throughout  his career and the customers 
served by the Braille and Talking book Library  have benefitted from Mike's 
dedication to quality services.  It is our  intent to overlap the new Chief with 
Mike to ensure the selected individual  has the opportunity to learn about 
the operation before Mike retires.   Please join me in recognizing the 
stellar service Mike has provided and  wishing him the best in his retirement.   

John Clarkson has been appointed as the Division's  new Deputy Director.  
John has over twenty years of  experience  in State government.  This 
includes work with the  Florida Legislature, experience in supervision and 
management, public  speaking at the national level and project management.  He is 
committed  to the integration of all operational sections to support the 
provision of  comprehensive services.  Many of you have had the opportunity to  
interact with John during our strategic planning process and have been able  
to experience his leadership talents first hand.
 

Paul Hardin was  selected to assume the MIS Manager position vacated by 
John Clarkson.   He will begin his employment with the  Division on April 19, 
2010.  Paul has over 20 years of technology  management experience with State 
government and the private sector.  He  also has strong  project management 
experience with Electronic Data  Systems (EDS).  He has managed 
applications development and PC support  groups of over 30 staff.  His understanding of 
the need to  connect  program requirements with technology support  will  a 
great benefit to the Division. 

Evelyn Perkins  began her position with the Division as the Chief of the 
Bureau of  Administrative Services on March 19, 2010.  Prior to Evelyn being  
selected for this role, she served as the Director of Data Management and 
Accountability in the office of Early Learning  with the Department of 
Education.  Evelyn comes to this position well  prepared.  She is a 30 year veteran 
of State government, having managed  complex administrative functions such 
as accounting, auditing, budgeting,  revenue, contracts and grant 
management.  I am confident she has the  skills and knowledge to provide excellent 
leadership as a member of our  team. 

Antionette  Williams has been selected as the Chief of the Bureau of  
Client Services.  Many of you may know Antionette from her  previous employment 
with the Division.  Antionette has a  strong knowledge of Vocational 
Rehabilitation services and has led the  Division through two monitoring experiences 
conducted by RSA.  She has  extensive experience in project management 
which has already served us well  in relation to the ARRA (Stimulus) project.  
Antionette is passionate  about providing quality services to the adults and 
children we serve and I  know she will be successful as the leader the 
Bureau of Client  Services.   

Monica Johnson has been selected as  as the Administrative Assistant to the 
Chief of the Bureau of Client  Services.  She brings to the Division a 
wealth of experience and  knowledge in both the non-profit and private sectors.  
Monica is also  knowledgeable in various aspects of communication efforts 
such as public  relations,  media relations, procurement proposal development 
and  development of marketing materials.  Her talents will be utilized  
throughout the Division, in such areas as project coordination and  marketing. 

Kurt Ponchak  was selected as the Chief of the Bureau of Business 
Enterprise.  His  previous experience in budget management, negotiations, compliance 
and  contract management will serve the Bureau of Business Enterprise well.  
 Kurt has already immersed himself in the operation and I know his talents  
and abilities will be essential to the success of this program.    

Bill Findley has  been selected as the Administrator of the newly formed 
Contract and  Compliance Section.  Bill has worked in the areas of compliance 
review  and contract management and consequently is very familiar with all 
aspects  of these responsibilities.  He has worked closely with both DBS and 
CRP  staff to develop provider contracts and is acknowledged by many as a 
capable  and knowledgeable individual.  Program responsibility for Independent 
 Living, Blind Babies and Children's Services will also fall under this  
section.  Bill will be assisted by Mondi 
Azpeitia, Chris Masal,  Brian Chambliss and Georgina Portillo-Foster.  We 
will be posting an  additional position that will participate as a member of 
the Compliance  Review team.  Bill and Antionette will work closely with 
both districts  and CRPs to ensure communication is consistent and coordinated. 
   

Michael Elliott is  cross training with Gregg Luther, the Division's 
technology expert, and  will assume many of Gregg's  responsibilities when Gregg 
retires on  November 30, 2010.  Michael has a great talent and interest in  
technology and I am confident he will be a valuable  resource to the  
Division on the ever-changing technology environment.    

Ed Hudson, Director of the  Orientation and Adjustment Center, has assumed 
the additional duties of  supervision of the maintenance section of the 
Daytona complex, MTTL  Technology and oversight of Vocational Evaluation.  The  
organization of the Center will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our  
clients, as well as the Division. 

Please join me in welcoming and supporting the new appointees in  their 
respective positions. 

I want to express my  appreciation of your commitment to strive for quality 
services to the adults  and children we serve.    

Joyce