Purpose:
The Education and Industry Consortium reviews and prioritizes skills needed in key industry sectors; analyzes existing educational training programs for prioritized skills; defines skills training gaps; and approves credentials for inclusion on the State’s Master Credentials list.
The Consortium shall meet, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis and issue a report to the CareerSource Polk Board of Directors after each meeting. Meetings may be held in-person and virtually via Zoom.
CareerSource Polk Board Chairperson appoints the members as well as the Chair of the Consortium to serve a term for up to 2 years and shall include:
Up to three representatives from each of the following targeted sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agri-Technology & Agribusiness
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Health Sciences
- Logistics, Supply Chain and Distribution
Consortium Members:
Education Representative Requirements: Superintendents, presidents, or other leadership staff from education institutions in the local area that represent both public and private education entities in: K-12 education, District Technical Colleges, State Colleges, Universities, Other degree or credential granting institutions in the local area.
Members include:
Amy Bratten | Provost, Academic Affairs & Workforce Education, Academics | Polk State College
Andy Oguntola | Assistant Vice President of Enrollment | Florida Polytechnic
Ana Ayala | Director of Career Services | Southeastern University
Industry Representative Requirements: Chief Executive Officers or presidents or other executive level staff from the top public and private employers in the local area; Industry representatives should reflect the priority industries in the local area.
CareerSource Polk’s Priority Industries & Member Representatives:
Advanced Manufacturing
Stephen Campbell | Advisor to the Board | S & B Metal Products
Agri-Business & Agri-Technology
Carole McKenzie | Executive Director | Polk County Farm Bureau
Aviation & Aerospace
Orathai Northern | Enrichment Director | Sun N Fun Expo/Aerospace Center of Excellence
Business Services
Rusty Mouton | Executive Vice President – Real Estate | South State Bank
Entertainment, Arts & Tourism
Alex Rich | Executive Director | Polk Museum of Art
Cindy Collins | Director | RP Funding Center
Health Sciences
Diane Gibbs | Director of Operations | BayCare Health Solutions
Linda Williams | Director, Learning & Organizational Development | Lakeland Regional Health
Logistics Supply Chain & Distribution
Michale DeMarzo | General Manager | Walmart E-Commerce
Research & Technology
Alex Lucio | CEO & Founder | Assure Infusion
Meeting Notices, Agendas and Minutes:
Monday, March 24, 2025 – Meeting Agenda & Presentation
Monday, June 23, 2025 | 10:00a – 11:30a | Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
Monday, September 29, 2025 | Polk State College – Center for Public Safety, 1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880, USA
Monday, December 8, 2025 | Polk State College – Center for Public Safety, 1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880, USA
Monday, March 23, 2026 | Polk State College – Center for Public Safety, 1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880, USA
Monday, June 22, 2026 | Polk State College – Center for Public Safety, 1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880, USA