1990-2010

ACE

of Florida, Inc.

20th ANNIVERSARY

A Step Back in Time...

In 1989, Dr. Beverly McMurty-Grissom and Dr. Tom Rezek were serving as presidents of the two associations, the Florida Adult Education Association and the Florida Association of Community Educators. Through their efforts of cooperation and guidance, the two boards of directors met and hammered out the details for a newly formed association, ACE of Florida, in 1990.

The major accomplishment that year was the development of ACE. There were many barriers that both presidents had to overcome. At the first joint meeting, both boards met at the same location, but would not meet together. Rochelle Kenyon ran back and forth between the two boards delivering messages. During all the negotiations leading up to the merger, there remained “doubters.” Both Beverly and Tom credit each other for making it all happen.

“ACE is made up of the finest professional group of educators I have ever had the opportunity with which to work. This is finest group of vibrant, creative and dedicated “friends” anyone could ever hope to meet. Whatever little bit I could contribute, I received in return, in immeasurable wealth. As a result of being an ACE member, I was able to help our district develop and grow in ways that would not have been possible without the people of ACE,” said Tom Rezek.

Beverly Grissom wrote, “We all hope to make a difference in this world while we are here. I believe we adult and community educators make a profound difference in the lives of our students, even more so than any other segment of the education area. I was blessed to have been a part of that remarkable cadre of change agents known as ACE of Florida.”

The Nineties Connection - 1990-1991

Dr. Tom Rezek1990 - 1991

Dr. Beverly McMurtry Grissom1990 - 1991

1990 FACE Board of DirectorsPresident Thomas W. RezekPresident Elect Ronald H. AltmanPast President Samuel LauffSecretary Marie M. AgnerTreasurer Frank K. Fiedor

District 1 Patricia BruneDistrict 2 Willard AndersonDistrict 3 Carolyn FordDistrict 4 James McLeodDistrict 5 Tom HarrisDistrict 6 Judith ChavezDistrict 7 Josephine Leyte-VidalDistrict 8 J. Gary HendricksDistrict 9 Herman FernandezDistrict 10 John WigleyDistrict 11 Jain TotoroDistrict 12 Belle DeKoffDistrict 13 Tom ShelterDistrict 14 Mary Lou WeissDistrict 15 Rupert BureyEx-Officio Phillip Clark Mike DeCarlo Egle Gallagher

1990 FAEA Board of DirectorsPresident Beverly M.GrissomPresident-Elect Ed mageroPast President Connie GilbertSecretary Patricia McDonald

District 1 John GuidyDistrict 2 Patricia McDonaldDistrict 3 Gene MotleyDistrict 4 Marilyn BrissonDistrict 5 Greg OlsonDistrict 6 Jack MangioneDistrict 7 Linda JacobsDistrict 8 Karl NousiainenDistrict 9 Paul TaperekDistrict 10 Rochelle KenyonDistrict 11 Don WilliamsDistrict 12 Rosy Diaz- DuqueAt-Large 1 Nancy AdamsAt-Large 2 Lucy GuglielminoFlorida Department of EducationBetty Castor, Commissioner of EducationRobert S. Howell, Director, Division of Vocational, Adult and Community EducationJohn Lawrence, Chief Bureau of Adult and Community Education

On Track to Meet the Challenges - 1991-1992

Ed Mogero1991 - 1992

Ronald Altman1991 - 1992

1991-1992 Board of DirectorsPresident Ed MageroPresident Elect Ron FromanSecretary Marie AgnerTreasurer Frank Fiedor District I Alice GuidyDistrict II Barbara Van CampDistrict III James McLeodDistrict IV Pat KeesDistrict V VacantDistrict VI Greg OlsonDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII Karl NousiainenDistrict IX Herman FernandezDistrict X Mary PuleoDistrict XI John WigleyDistrict XII Tom ShelterDistrict XIII Paul TaperekDistrict XIV Belle DeKoffDistrict XV Nancy AdamsDistrict XVI VacantDistrict XVII Don WilliamsFlorida DOEBetty Castor, Commissioner of EducationRobert S. Howell, Director, Division of Vocational, Adult and Community EducationJohn E. Lawrence, Chief, Bureau of Adult and Community Education

Ed Magero and Ron Altman became the first presidents of ACE of Florida in 1991. Ron and Ed were the presidents-elect for FAEA and FACE. During the merger ne-gotiations, it was decided that to be fair, each president would serve a six month term that year. ACE had about 300 members and hired its first full time ex-ecutive director, Bunny Hanley. One of the major accomplishments during this year was the proclamation received from Governor Martinez and the State Board of Education honoring Adult and Community Educators of Florida.

Ed Magero and Ron Altman provided the direction and leadership to help this infant organization get off to a good start. To put the best interest of the entire group above in-dividual desires is the mark of two truly selfless and dedicated presidents.

Ron Altman said, “I am grateful to have been a part of a dedicated group of people who were able to put their differences aside and work for the benefit of all people connected with adult and community education in the state of Florida.”

Focus on Quality - 1992-1993

Ronald D. Froman1992 - 1993

Ron Froman was the first elected President of the new organization, ACE of Florida. How fortunate for us that Ron had the vision and foresight to move the association to a higher level of customer service. He saw the role of ACE as a provider of training for the adult and community education practitioners. He and Executive Director Bunny Hanley wrote the first federally funded adult education grant for ACE. This action helped establish a close and supportive relationship between the Department of Education and ACE of Florida. John Lawrence, Bureau Chief, Florida DOE, Division of Adult Education was very supportive of working cooperatively with ACE. ACE still had only one full time employee, Bunny Hanley, who single handedly performed the duties of executive director, lobbyist, conference planner and membership coordinator.

The major accomplishment during Ron’s presidency was transitioning the organization from FAEA and FACE to ACE, where adult educators and community educators would work together. Performance-based funding was starting to be discussed by legislators. Ron and Bunny Hanley worked closely with legislative committees on issues and bills that would impact adult and community education.

“Each opportunity to work with the ACE Board or committees was FUN! I always looked forward to being with everyone working together; being a part of the ACE family!” said Ron Froman. “If adult education is going to be consistently viewed as a ‘profession,’ then state organizations like ACE must maintain strong membership numbers and consistently collaborate with appropriate state agencies. This is a win-win relationship with human and financial resources which will serve to maximize programs for adult learners.”

Charting A New Course - 1993-1994

John Wigley1993 - 1994

In 1993, John Wigley became the ACE President. At the time membership had increased to 450. John, the ACE Board and Executive Director Bunny Hanley, continued the pro-cess of changing ACE from an all volunteer group to a viable association. The ACE staff had grown from just one person – Bunny Hanley, to the addition of a part-time person, Valorie Boyd. Valorie was hired to help coordinate the Federally funded Adult Education 353 grant, which provided training to adult educators throughout the state.

Under John Wigley’s leadership, performance-based funding was stopped in the leg-islature that year. John worked with the ACE Board to increase pay for the ACE staff.

He and Bunny wrote another 353 grant to continue providing training for the adult education teachers.

John said, “I am proud to work with team members that have adult education stu-dents in their hearts. ACE has always been on top of making things happen for our students. ACE is the voice for students and teachers. It is amazing just how much fun the past years have been working with everyone - learning and facing changes and challenges together as one team.”

The 1993 ACE Conference was held at one of our favorite hotels, the TradeWinds on St. Pete Beach. With support and collaboration from John Lawrence and the adult education staff at FLDOE, this year’s conference was a huge success.

1993 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident John WigleyPresident Elect Marie AgnerPast President Ron FromanSecretary Rory Morris-RichardsonTreasurer Dr. Edythe AbdullahDistrict I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III TBADistrict IV Judy ChavezDistrict V Dr. Beverly McMurtry GrissomDistrict VI Tony LagosDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII Herman FernandezDistrict IX Rory Morris-RichardsonDistrict X Dr. Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Don MartinDistrict XII R. Dale JenkinsDistrict XIII Taylor BakerDistrict XIV Mary PuleoDistrict XV Dr. Nancy AdamsDistrict XVI Larry MarfechukDistrict XVII TBAAt- Large Dr. Edythe Abdullah Meredith McClearyEx- Officio John Lawrence Dr. Philip Clark Gene Statler Pat KeesFlorida DOEDr. Lanny Larson, Director, Division of Vocational, Adult and Community EducationJohn Lawrence, Chief, Bureau of Adult and Community Education

Mary “Bunny” Hanley, Executive DirectorValorie Boyd, Grant Coordinator

Reclaiming Our Communities - 1994

Marie Agner O’Steen1994

Marie Agner Osteen became president in 1994, but before she could serve her en-tire year term as president, she met the love of her life, married him and retired. The year continued as a time for major upheaval and change for ACE. Bunny Hanley took another job during the summer, leaving two part-time employees, Valorie Boyd and Nancy McDonnell. In spite of a hurricane threat, these two part-timers along with a lot of help from the ACE Board, President Marie Agner and conference chairman, Sam Lauff, pulled off a very successful conference in Marco Island.

The major accomplishment during this year was the move of the ACE office from a tiny one room in the basement of the FASA building to the first floor with a two office suite in the same building.

The proudest achievement of Marie Agner’s presidency, she said, “Was maintain-ing our professional relationships. The difficult task of merging the two organiza-tions was complete and we continued to gain significant ground with the overall image of adult and community education programs.”

Adult educators were working hard to secure funding for critically needed pro-grams. ACE again wrote for and received two federally funded grant projects- a 353 and a 322 grant, to provide training and statewide leadership activities.

1994 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Marie AgnerPresident Elect Sam LauffPast President John WigleySecretary Rory Morris- RichardsonTreasurer Sandra DavisDistrict I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III VacantDistrict IV Judy ChavezDistrict V Stephen EdwardsDistrict VI Tony LagosDistrict VII Jane BrewsterDistrict VIII Herman FernandezDistrict IX Rory Morris- RichardsonDistrict X Dr. Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Don MartinDistrict XII Dale JenkinsDistrict XIII Dr. Leo MediavillaDistrict XIV Mary PuleoDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Larry MarfechukDistrict XVII James GoodenAt-Large Meredith McCleary Ernest FernandezEx-Officio Dr. Edythe Adullah Dr. Philip Clark Dr. Nancy AdamsMary “Bunny” Hanley, Executive DirectorValorie Boyd, Grant CoordinatorNancy McDonnell, Office Assistant

Meeting New Challenges - 1995-1996

Sam Lauff1994 - 1996

Sam Lauff has the distinction of having the longest term as ACE president from 1994-1996. When Marie Agner retired early, Sam, who was president-elect, finished out her term for 1994-95. During this time ACE was going through a painful growth spurt. The ACE office equipment was prehistoric and ACE was in desperate need of new com-puters, database software that could track membership and just about every other type of office equipment. The ACE board hired an executive director, Debra Simko, to replace Bunny Hanley, but she only stayed 6 months. A part time employee also left at the same time. So by de-fault, Valorie Boyd held down the fort and became the director of ACE of Florida.

Sam had to make many tough decisions to get the organization back on track. With the help of the ACE Board and Sam Lauff, the association got on the proper path with our fiscal management. Ron Froman, ACE Grant Consultant continued to write and receive grant funding for ACE to provide much needed professional develop-ment for adult educators.

The annual conference was once again held at the TradeWinds in St. Pete Beach. Larry Marfechuk was by now the official ACE Olympics Coach and the ACE Olympics teams were very competitive on the beach and in the water.

1995 - 1996 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Sam LauffPresident –Elect Larry MarfechukPast President John WigleySecretary Rory Morris-RichardsonTreasurer Sandy Davis

District I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III TBADistrict IV Judy ChavezDistrict V Stephen EdwardsDistrict VI Tony LagosDistrict VII Jane BrewsterDistrict VIII Herman FernandezDistrict IX Rory Morris-RichardsonDistrict X Dr. Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Bonnie VondracekDistrict XII Dale JenkinsDistrict XIII Dr. Leo MediavillaDistrict XVI Mary PuleoDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Sandra WhiteDistrict XVII James GoodenAt-Large Meredith McClearly Ernest FernandezEx-Officio Dr. Phil Clark Dr. Edythe Abdullah Dr. Nancy AdamsFLDOEJohn Lawrence, Chief Bureau of Adult and Community Education

A Vision and a Voyage - 1996-1997

Larry Marfechuk1996 - 1997

Larry Marfechuk was just what this association needed in 1996. The most enthusiastic promoter and team builder, Larry brought excitement into being an ACE member and to his term as president. Larry organized the ACE Olympics every year since 1991. Larry coached us, led us, encouraged us, enter-tained us and clothed us in an array of colorful ACE Olympic tee shirts and hats.

The theme for the 1996 conference was “A Vision and A Voyage…Adult and Community Education.” President Larry Marfechuk had a vision to make that conference the best one ACE had ever had. With a cast of thousands (or seemed like it) the Miami conference committee crew took us on a voyage to remember.

All ACE members as well as adult and community educators and students statewide were devastated to learn that Larry Marfechuk passed away in November, 2009. There will never be another ACE Olympic coach or ACE member as dedi-cated, enthusiastic, loved and as fondly remembered as Larry Marfechuk.

1996 - 1997 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Larry MarfechukPresident –Elect Tony LagosPast President Sam LauffSecretary Bonnie VondracekTreasurer Mary Puleo

District I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III June TownsendDistrict IV Susie MarshallDistrict V Dr. Lyndarae D. MartinDistrict VI Tony LagosDistrict VII Jane BrewsterDistrict VIII Herman FernandezDistrict IX Rory Morris-RichardsonDistrict X Dr. Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Bonnie VondracekDistrict XII Dale JenkinsDistrict XIII Dr. Leo MediavillaDistrict XIV Mary PuleoDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Sandra WhiteDistrict XVII Carrie B. MickeyAt-Large Dr. Nancy AdamsEx-Officio Dr. Philip A. Clark Dr. Edythe Abdullah Dr. Larry DeckerFLDOEJoe Stephens, Director, Division of Vocational, Adult and Community EducationValorie Boyd, Director, ACE of Florida

First Class All The Way - 1997-1998

Tony Lagos1997 - 1998

1997-1998 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Tony LagosPresident –Elect Bonnie VondracekPast President Larry MarfechukSecretary Sandra DavisTreasurer Sandra WhiteDistrict I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III June TownsendDistrict IV Susie MarshallDistrict V Dr. Lyndarae D. MartinDistrict VI Alex HeidelbergDistrict VII Jane BrewsterDistrict VIII Herman FernandezDistrict IX Rory Morris-RichardsonDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Bonnie VondracekDistrict XII Susan PittmanDistrict XIII Dr. Leo MediavillaDistrict XIV Marilyn HorvathDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Sandra WhiteDistrict XVII Carrie B. MickeyAt-Large Dr. Nancy Adams Robert HernandezEx-Officio Dr. Phil A. Clark Dr. Edythe Abdullah Dr. Larry DeckerJoe Stephens, Director, Division of Workforce Development, FLDOEValorie Boyd, Director, ACE of Florida

In 1997, ACE took a First Class Flight with Tony Lagos as President. As the legisla-tive session started this year, turmoil began. Performance based funding would now rule our universe. Tony, along with other ACE members, participated in the Summer of 1688. With his leadership, Tony helped our members to adopt a positive attitude in support of Senate Bill 1688. Representative Stephen Wise and Senator James Horne attended the conference legislative breakfast this year to answer questions about the new legislation.

Ron Froman, the grant consultant for ACE at the time, Tony Lagos, and Valorie Boyd teamed up with the FLDOE – Joe Stephens, Loretta Costin, Lynda Hartnig. We traveled around the state, helping adult and vocational educators come to terms with the implementation of Senate Bill 1688.

We got behind the legislation, determined to make program improvements and foster workforce development and performance based funding. With a positive attitude, Florida’s adult educators were able to meet the challenges of performance based funding and succeed.

This is the year that one of the most successful initiatives was conceived for Florida’s adult education programs. Joe Stephens, Director of Workforce Development, Florida Department of Education , Ron Froman, ACE Grant Consultant, Tony Lagos, ACE President and Valorie Boyd and many others, established the Practitioners’ Task Force for Restructuring and Accountability. This task force was established to address issues and

concerns which resulted from legislative changes in funding and delivery of Florida’s adult education and workforce education. ACE of Florida wrote the grant to fund this project in cooperation with the Florida DOE.

Accelerating Beyond Challenges - 1998-1999

Bonnie Vondracek Goonen1998 - 1999

ACE members are no wimps and we braved tor-rential rains and hurricane force winds from the fast approaching Hurricane Earl, with a never say die at-titude as the 1998 conference went on without a hitch. Under her leadership, President Bonnie Vondracek organized a very successful conference in spite of the inclement weather.

During her tenure, Senate Bill 1124 was implemented (the beginning of performance-based funding.) To help educate practitioners around the state, ACE host-ed the first post legislative wrap up session.

Bonnie says, “My proudest achievements as President were working collaboratively with school districts and com-munity colleges to support the field of adult & community edu-cation statewide.” She adds, “Happy 20th anniversary ACE of Florida! For the past twenty years you have provided us with leadership, a strong professional network, a voice at the state level, a medium to showcase our programs and our students, and many warm, wonderful memories. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for adult and community education throughout our state.”

1998 - 1999 ACE BoardPresident Bonnie VondracekPresident –Elect Sandra DavisPast President Tony LagosSecretary Marilyn HorvathTreasurer Larry O’DonnellDistrict I Tom RezekDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III June TownsendDistrict IV Susie MarshallDistrict V Dr. Lyndarae D. MartinDistrict VI Alex HeidelbergDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII Herman FernandezDistrict IX Karl NousianenDistrict X TBADistrict XI John C. WigleyDistrict XII Susan PittmanDistrict XIII Tom SiemianowskiDistrict XIV TBADistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Sandra WhiteDistrict XVII Carrie MickeyAt-Large Dr. Nancy AdamsAt-Large Robert HernandezFAACE Liaison Jan Sharp-SleanEx-Officios Dr.Edythe Abdullah Dr. Phil Clark Dr. Larry Decker

Joseph E. Stephens, Director, Division of Workforce DevelopmentLoretta Costin, Division of Workforce DevelopmentCarl Miller, Division of Workforce DevelopmentLeatricia Williams, Division of Workforce DevelopmentRon Scull, Division of Workforce DevelopmentDave Tranchand, Division of Community Colleges, FLDOEValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida

Making All the Right Connections - 1999-2000

Sandra Davis1999 - 2000

The 1999 conference was held again the TradeWinds in St. Pete Beach. Sandra Davis, President and Conference Chairperson, endured another hurricane scare. Although the hurricane never came ashore, we did turn our Welcome Reception into a hurri-cane watch party. ACE membership was at an all time high with over 700 members.

During this year, ACE was not only providing training at the state level, we were sharing our ideas and concepts nationwide by presenting at several national conferences. We had grown from a small state organization to one that was recognized nationally.

1999 - 2000 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Sandra DavisPresident –Elect Carrie MickeyPast President Bonnie Vondracek Secretary Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoTreasurer Larry O’DonnellDistrict I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Kathleen Fontaine-LongDistrict III June TownsendDistrict IV Delphia WilliamsDistrict V Dr. Lyndarae D. MartinDistrict VI Alex HeidelbergDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII Janice TorgersenDistrict IX Karl NousianenDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI John C. WigleyDistrict XII Susan PittmanDistrict XIII Tom SiemianowskiDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Robert HernandezDistrict XVII Carrie B. MickeyAt-Large Dr. Nancy AdamsFAACE Liaison Jan Sharp-SleanEx-Officio Dr. Phil A. Clark Dr. Edythe Abdullah Dr. Larry Decker

Tom Gallagher, Commissioner of EducationJoseph E. Stephens, Director, Division of Workforce DevelopmentLoretta Costin, Division of Workforce DevelopmentCarl Miller, Division of Workforce DevelopmentLeatricia Williams, Division of Workforce DevelopmentJ. David Armstrong, Jr. Executive Director, Division of Community Colleges

Advocacy - Collaboration - Excellence - 2000-2001

Carrie Mickey2000 - 2001

Carrie Mickey led the association into the 2nd decade of ACE. In the year 2000, ACE continued to provide professional development to the practitioners in Florida, as well as continuing to organize the Post Legislative Wrap-Up Workshop and supporting the Practitioners’ Task Force Committees.

The 10th anniversary conference was hosted in Miami-Dade as we “Celebrated a Decade of Advocacy, Collaboration and Excellence.” The support from the

Miami contingency included over 30 adult educators serving on the conference committee, all the way up to the Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Roger Cuevas. Carrie says, “My proudest achievement as President was planning and celebrating the 10th Anniversary of ACE in Miami. The success of the 10th Annual Conference was the most memo-rable for me.”

Carrie adds, “As a member and president of ACE, I was able to communicate and collaborate with adult educators throughout the state of Florida as well as other regional and national organizations, agencies and businesses.”

2000 - 2001 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Carrie Mickey President –Elect Dr. Janice TorgersenPast President Sandra DavisSecretary Delphia WilliamsTreasurer Larry O’DonnellDistrict I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Kathleen Fontaine-LongDistrict III June TownsendDistrict IV Delphia WilliamsDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Tony LagosDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII Dr. Janice TorgersenDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Richard DobshaDistrict XII Susan PittmanDistrict XIII Tom SiemianowskiDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Robert HernandezDistrict XVII Barbara Spears-Corbett FAACE Liaison Jan Sharp-SleanEx-Officio Phil A. Clark Dr. Edythe Abdullah Dr. Larry DeckerTom Gallagher, Commissioner of EducationLoretta Costin, Director, Division of Workforce DevelopmentJohn Wiegman, Deputy Director, Division of Public Schools and Community EducationValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida

2001 An Ace Odyssey - 2001-2002

Janice Torgersen2001 - 2002

2001 - 2002 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Dr. Janice TorgersenPresident –Elect Carrie MickeyPast President Sandra DavisSecretary June TownsendTreasurer David BarnesDistrict I Dr. Tom RezekDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III June TownsendDistrict IV Delphia WilliamsDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Richard MiglioreDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII John ShermanDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Dr. Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Richard DobshaDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Tom SiemianowskiDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Eunice SotoDistrict XVII Barbara Spears-Corbett FAACE Liaison Jan Sharp-SleanEx-Officio Dr. Phil A. Clark Dr. Larry DeckerCharlie Crist, Commissioner of EducationLoretta Costin, Director, Division of Workforce DevelopmentLanny Larson, Deputy Executive Director, Division of Community CollegesValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida

Tragedy struck our nation on September 11, 2001, just two weeks before our scheduled annual conference. The na-tion was stunned with horror as the reality of the disaster unfolded. After much thought and debate, President Janice Torgersen, the ACE Board of Directors and ACE staff decided that the conference should go on as planned. The turnout for the conference was overwhelming because Florida’s adult and community educators consider each other family and we needed to join together and seek each others’ comfort. So for a few days during the ACE confer-ence, we assured ourselves that together we would over-come this terrible event.

Krewes of the Future - 2002-2003

Larry O’Donnell2002 - 2003

Arrrhhh! Matey! 2002 was a very good year for the ACE “pirate” krewe and Captain Larry O’Donnell. This year’s conference opened to the musical strands of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates and Pendance” and a wonderfully creative and amusing video pro-duced by Steve Foley, featuring the ACE Board and conference committee. This set the tone for a fun packed conference, including a Mardi Gras Masked Ball, with many at-tendees dressed in costumes including pirate captains, first mates, Tinkerbell and every-one sporting sequined masks.

At the post legislative workshop in Orlando, both Loretta Costin and Lanny Larson urged all workforce education organizations to work together to promote our common

causes. Larry O’Donnell helped ACE members from both the community col-leges system and the school districts become more unified and work together for the common good of our students.

“My greatest fear as President was to be in charge of the ACE Conference,” says Larry. “My fears were quickly dispelled! Just as my wife, Tammy, told me when we were preparing for our daughter’s wedding, ‘Shut up, show up and stand up.’ The same was the case with the ACE Conference! Valorie has been blessed with extraordinary organization skills and the stamina of a work horse. She makes you look good!”

2002 - 2003 ACE Board of Directors

President Larry O’DonnellPresident –Elect Dr. John AndolaPast President Dr. Janice TorgersenSecretary Dr. Missy BelsitoTreasurer David BarnesDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III Mary WolfgangDistrict IV Delphia WilliamsDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Richard MiglioreDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII John ShermanDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Kay ShinnDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Trudy ChristianDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Eunice SotoDistrict XVII Carol Renick Ex-Officio Dr. Phil A. Clark Charlie Crist, Commissioner of EducationLoretta Costin, Director, Division of Workforce DevelopmentLanny Larson, Deputy Executive Director, Division of Community CollegesValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida

An Important Link - 2003-2004

John Andola2003 - 2004

2003- 2004 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Dr. John AndolaPresident –Elect David BarnesPast President Larry O’DonnellSecretary Dr. Mary WolfgangTreasurer Dr. John GoonenDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III Dr.Mary WolfgangDistrict IV Dr. Edwidge BryantDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Neal AlfordDistrict VII Samuel LauffDistrict VIII Dr. Janice TorgersenDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Karen D’ArceuilDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Trudy ChristianDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Dr. John GoonenDistrict XVII Carol Renick Ex-Officio Phil A. ClarkNancy Cordill, Vice Chancellor, Workforce Education, FLDOEBob Wofford, Workforce Education, FLDOEDr. Dorothy Bouie, Workforce Education, FLDOEValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of FloridaRon Froman, Grant Consultant, ACE of Florida

ACE of Florida is an Important Link in Florida’s education system. The 2003 ACE conference was held again at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra Beach. John Andola, ACE President, brought to the office that certain laid back, Key West style to his term as President.

ACE conference attendees are very serious about going to the sessions, learning new ideas and networking with their peers. But they also enjoy each others’ company at the after hours events. This year there were several Elvis sightings at the 50’s Sock Hop, along with poodle skirts, white tee shirts and cool shades. ACE was proud to help plan, coordinate and host the “All American Success Stories” with the Florida Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education. This program honored adult and vocational education students who had completed their education and gone on to become successful citizens. Some of the All American Success Story win-ners came to Tallahassee and testified during the legislative committee meetings, to help legislators understand our programs and the impact they have on our students’ lives.

Dave Barnes2004 - 2005

Survivor - 2004-2005Can you spell SURVIVOR? President Dave Barnes can. He had one of the most unique terms as ACE president in 2004. The conference theme was Survivor 2004 and it was most prophetic. Dave and the ACE staff were faced with the almost insurmountable challenge of canceling and rescheduling our state conference with only two days before it was to begin because of hurricanes which struck Florida, damaging the original hotel site. The conference had to be re-located and re-scheduled in five weeks. With Herculean efforts by Dave, the Pinellas County conference committee, ACE Board of Directors and the ACE staff, we had one of the most successful ACE conferences in memory at the brand new Omni Orlando at ChampionsGate. We did SURVIVE and as Dave Barnes said, “Let us not forget that together, we can truly accomplish anything.”

There was a renewed focus on advocacy with the Florida Legislature, raising the levels of awareness of adult education. The Workforce Funding Formula Revision, the rewrite of the State Education Code and the Administrator Terminal Sick Leave Restoration were legislative issues. Dave Barnes lead the lobbying ef-fort that successfully increased the workforce funding budget in over five years.

“Unless you have been a part of the workings behind the scenes on the ACE Board, at the ACE Conference and in Tallahassee with the ACE office, you can’t know the profound and positive impact ACE has had on adult education since its inception. We have been able to accomplish remarkable things for adult educa-tion that would not have been possible without ACE as the driving force in adult education in Florida,” said Dave Barns.

2004-2005 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident David BarnesPresident –Elect Roger PelserPast President Dr. John AndolaSecretary Suzy McDowellTreasurer Dr. John GoonenDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III Sue KraulDistrict IV Dr. Edwidge BryantDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Neal AlfordDistrict VII Samuel LauffDistrict VIII Ken AllenDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Karen D’ArceuilDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Robert BreitbardDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Dr. John GoonenDistrict XVII Carol Renick

Ex-Officio Phil A. ClarkDavid Armstrong, Chancellor, Workforce Education, FLDOEBonnie Marmor, Vice Chancellor, Workforce Education, FLDOEValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida, Inc.

Roger Pelser2005 - 2006

Champions in Education - 2005-2006

“Champions in Education – 15 Years Strong” was the theme of the 2005 ACE Conference and President Roger Pelser was the conquering hero. He was instrumental in increasing ACE’s presence in advocacy, focused awareness of the part-time teachers’ need for training, and supported funding for our programs with the Florida legislature.

His conquering hero spirit continued to the ACE Olympics. District XII had never fielded a winning ACE Olympic team and Roger set his sights on “winning one for the District.” Through vigorous training (not) and drafting ringers for his team (probably), Roger put together the District XII gladiators who won the ACE Olympics for the first time.

ACE continued its high quality professional development trainings through the grant projects. Roger’s knowledge of technology helped move ACE forward in many areas. Roger wrote, “Thank you ACE, for 20 years of support, dedication and tireless efforts. You have enabled us to empower adults with skills for life, at work, at home and in the community.”

2005-2006 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Roger PelserPresident –Elect Suzy McDowellPast President David BarnesSecretary Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoTreasurer Dr. John GoonenDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III TBADistrict IV Dr. Edwidge BryantDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Neal AlfordDistrict VII Sam LauffDistrict VIII Ken AllenDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Karen D’ArceuilDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Robert BreitbardDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Dr. John GoonenDistrict XVII Carol Renick

Ex-Officio Dr. Phil A. Clark

David Armstrong, Chancellor, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce EducationBonnie Marmor, Vice Chancellor, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce EducationTeresa Bestor, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce EducationValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida

Suzy McDowell2006 - 2007

Many Beats - One Rhythm - 2006-2007

2006 - 2007 ACE BoardPresident Suzy McDowellPresident –Elect Dr. Edwidge BryantPast President Roger PelserSecretary Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoTreasurer Robert BreitbardDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III Lisa JonesDistrict IV Dr. Edwidge BryantDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Neal AlfordDistrict VII Jack MillerDistrict VIII Ken AllenDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Karen D’ArceuilDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Robert BreitbardDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Dr. Dulce Maria de VillaDistrict XVII Dr. Nilda J. Diaz Ex-Officio Phil A. Clark

David Armstrong, Vice Chancellor, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce EducationBonnie Marmor, Vice Chancellor, for Workforce EducationTeresa Bestor, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce EducationValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida

Adult and community education is composed of many different beats – GED, ABE, ESOL, Adult High School, VPI, Literacy, Adults with Learning Disabilities, workforce education and the varied facets of community education. These many beats come together in our students to form a rhythm that will lead them to success in their personal life as well as their professional life.

President Suzy McDowell was the orchestra conductor for the 2006 ACE Conference, “Many Beats, One Rhythm.” Suzy said “All of us involved in non-traditional learning are always marching to one beat-the one that will make a difference in the lives of each student that we work with. Yet, there are many rhythms, many ways that we go about reaching those students. Thank you to all of the ACE members that march along to make that difference in the lives of those we work with each year.”

Many of ACE’s grant projects continued to provide support and training for adult and community educators. The HelpDesk was an on-line web based initiative that offered answers to adult education questions within 24 hours. ACE also maintained the Clearinghouse Calendar on our website that listed all trainings, meetings and activities of interest to adult and community educators. We continued to provide regional trainings working co-operatively with the Regional Training Councils. Other technical assistance projects included trainings for CASAS, Ruby Payne, Bridges to Practice, and TOPsPro. One of the most important projects that ACE was in-volved with was the support of the Practitioners’ Task Force Committees.

Dr. Edwidge Bryant2007 - 2008

We See Your True Colors - 2007-2008

2007-2008 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Dr. Edwidge BryantPresident –Elect Robert BreitbardPast President Suzy McDowellSecretary Susan WintersTreasurer Dr. Dulce Maria de VillaDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III Lisa JonesDistrict IV Dr. Edwidge BryantDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Neal AlfordDistrict VII Jack MillerDistrict VIII Elsa TuggleDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X Larry O’DonnellDistrict XI Karen D’ArceuilDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Robert BreitbardDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” BelsitoDistrict XVI Dr. Dulce Maria de VillaDistrict XVII Dr. Nilda J. Diaz Ex-Officio Phil A. ClarkLucy Hadi, Chancellor, Division of Workforce EducationBonnie Marmor, Vice Chancellor, Division of Workforce EducationAlex Penn-Williams, Bureau Chief for Adult Education, FLDOEValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida.

This year we celebrated Florida’s vibrant, bold and bright adult educators. ACE members were encouraged to step out of the shadows and let their “True Colors” shine. No longer could we afford to be the best kept secret in educa-tion, we need to toot our horns and show how important adult education is to Florida’s economy and workforce.

The federally funded Adult Education and Family Literacy Statewide Leadership grant projects continue to be an important part of ACE of Florida. Through the collaboration with the FLDOE, ACE continued to pro-vide quality professional development training around the state, including a leadership/administrative training for new administrations. The Sanibel Symposium was another collaborative effort of which we were proud to be a part.

Dr. Edwidge Bryant, President, specially choose the 2007 conference theme, “We See Your True Colors.” She said, “My aim this year is to celebrate the unique qualities of Florida’s adult and commu-nity educators. ACE truly appreciates your ability to make our students vis-ible even though they sometimes feel invisible.”

Robert Breitbard2008 - 2009

Journey to What’s Next - 2008-2009It was quite a “journey” as President Robert Breitbard led us to what’s next and be-yond in 2008. We buckled our seat belts as the man with a thousand ideas pushed and cajoled the ACE staff and Board not rest on our laurels, but to keep up with the times. Improvements in technology, advocacy and marketing were the ticket to success.

Robert became the “voice” of ACE, both literally and figuratively. With huge educa-tional budget cuts, travel restrictions were in place and adult educators were not able to attend meetings and conferences to receive the latest updates from the FLDOE and ACE. Using our state leadership grant funding, grant consultant Ted Bruce initiated the live satellite video conferences and ACE-TV was born. Robert was the ACE-TV

host extraordinaire for each of the 3 live satellite broadcasts. Robert also helped ACE find its “voice” by instituting marketing strategies that would help pro-mote the many services that ACE provides its members and get the ACE name branded as the association that you must join if you are an adult and community educator.

Advocacy efforts were a high priority, as well as getting out the message that “Adult Education Makes Cents.” The legislature was all about return on invest-ment and we focused on sharing adult education’s value to helping the state through the hard economical times.

“I believe I took away from my time as ACE president a thankfulness. I’m thank-ful to have been able to connect with so many “above and beyond” people, at the FLDOE, in school districts, at state colleges and volunteers. I made many friends who epitomize the

meaning of “making a difference,” said Robert. “ACE membership is comprised of people who not only make their part of the world a better place but who band together to change the state for the better. ACE is there for all of us.”

2008 - 2009 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Robert BreitbardPresident –Elect Dr. Nilda J. DiazPast President Dr. Edwidge BryantSecretary Elsa TuggleTreasurer Karen D’ArceuilDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III Mary KeenDistrict IV Dr. Edwidge BryantDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Neal AlfordDistrict VII Jack MillerDistrict VIII Elsa TuggleDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X John SmallDistrict XI Karen D’ArceuilDistrict XII Roger PelserDistrict XIII Robert BreitbardDistrict XIV David GiompaloDistrict XV Dr. Roseanne “Missy” Belsito, Fayne JohnsonDistrict XVI Dr. Dulce Maria de VillaDistrict XVII Dr. Nilda J. Diaz

Ex-Officio Dr. Phil A. ClarkLucy Hadi, Chancellor, Division of Workforce Education, FLDOEDr. Alex Penn-Williams, Bureau Chief, Division of Workforce Education, FLDOEValorie Boyd, Executive Director, ACE of Florida

Dr. Nilda Diaz2009 - 2010

Reaching Higher - 2009-2010

2009 -2010 ACE Board of DirectorsPresident Dr. Nilda J.DiazPresident –Elect Elsa TugglePast President Robert BreitbardSecretary Suzy McDowellTreasurer Dr. Dulce Maria de VillaDistrict I Susan WintersDistrict II Sandra DavisDistrict III Mary KeenDistrict IV Dr. Edwidge BryantDistrict V Suzy McDowellDistrict VI Andrew JenkinsDistrict VII Jack MillerDistrict VIII Elsa TuggleDistrict IX David BarnesDistrict X John SmallDistrict XI Karen D’ArceuilDistrict XII Christine SimonettiDistrict XIII Robert BreitbardDistrict XIV Mavis PacettiDistrict XV Neeta RancourtDistrict XVI Dr. Dulce Maria de VillaDistrict XVII Dr. Nilda J. Diaz Ex-Officio Dr. Anthony Iacono Roger PelserLoretta Costin, Vice Chancellor, Career and Adult Education, FLDOEZelda Rogers, Program Director, Career and Adult Education, FLDOEValorie Boyd, Executive Director

“Taking ACE to the next level” was President Nilda J. Diaz’s motto for her term as ACE president. She had us “Reaching Higher” to improve the quality of ACE publications, im-prove the website, and most importantly, increase the mem-bership of ACE. Facilitating a new 5 year strategic plan, Nilda helped us reach those goals and more.

During the legislative session this year, Senate Bill 6 was introduced which would radically change to a merit pay for teachers. This was a disheartening blow for educators who were already beleaguered by several years of huge educational budget cuts. The governor did veto the bill.

With the federal grant projects, ACE continued with several very successful initiatives including the live satellite video conferences, which were broad-cast around the state. The Evening Academies for Part-time adult educa-tion teachers were held in all five of the regions.

“My proudest achievement as President,” said Nilda, “was helping a very good professional association be-come even better and developing friendships with educators who are truly passionate about adult education. ACE of Florida is THE professional association for Adult and Community educators, and we must be very proud of its members and board of directors taking a key leadership role in Adult General Education issues and concerns.”

John Small2010 - 2011

In Step Together for 20 Years - 2010-2011John Small has just “stepped into” his position as presi-dent of ACE of Florida. Under his leadership, ACE will surely have a successful and productive year. The ACE Staff and conference committee have planned an out-standing program of concurrent sessions and excellent presenters. As the conference theme says, we have been “in step together for 20 years” and that is the keys to ACE’s success. Together we can meet any challenge and not just survive, but thrive with change. Happy 20th Anniversary ACE.

Elizabeth Wells Singer ..........1989John I. Hendricks Jr. ..............1989J. Harold Thurmond .............1989Ronald D. Froman .................1990Beverly McMurty Grissom ..1991John E. Lawrence ...................1991Earl K. Stokes .........................1991Dr. Lucy Guglielmino ...........1992Dr. Evelyn Martin ..................1992Edmund Magero ...................1993Jack Mangione .......................1993Rochelle Kenyon....................1994Patricia McDonald ................1994Joseph Mathos .......................1995John C. Wigley .......................1995Nancy Adams ........................1996Phillip A. Clark ......................1996Roger C. Cuevas ....................1996Connie Gilbert .......................1996Walter B. Weyant ...................1996William”Ken” Hall ................1997Larry Marfechuk ...................1997

HALL OF FAME

Dr. Tony Lagos .......................1998Carrie Mickey ........................1999Edythe Abdullah ...................1999Joseph E. Stephens ................2000Susan Pittman ........................2000Dr. Vasil “Bill” Kerensky ......2000Sam Lauff ...............................2001June Townsend ......................2002Lynda Hartnig .......................2002Dr. Thomas Rezek .................2003Eugene R. Stafford ................2003Leatricia A. Williams .............2003Larry O’Donnell ....................2004Dave Barnes ...........................2005Roger B. Pelser .......................2006Robert Wofford ......................2006Bonnie Goonen ......................2007Dr. Maria Koonce ..................2007Dr. Rose Diaz .........................2008Dr. Edwina Hoffman ............2008Robert Breitbard ....................2009Dr. Edwidge Bryant ..............2009

In Honor and recognItIon of dIstInguIsHed servIce, excellence In educatIon

and dedIcatIon to tHe PrIncIPals of lIfelong learnIng.

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