published: Sunday, November 18, 2012

SFSC Presidential Search Committee announced

Special to the News-Sun

AVON PARK - South Florida State College District Board of Trustees Chair Tami Cullens has announced the 24 members of the college district of Highlands, DeSoto and Hardee counties who will lead the search for the college's fourth president.

SFSC President Norman L. Stephens Jr. retires after 11 years with the college on June 30, 2013.

"Members of the Presidential Search Committee were selected for their diverse expertise and for their understanding of the college and its mission," Cullens said.

"To find members of the committee, we began by asking SFSC students and employees if they would like to participate. Then, we asked trustees to suggest people in the community who would be an asset to us in our search for the next SFSC president.

"We wanted a balance in gender, ethnicity and geography. We wanted educators and business people. We particularly wanted people who have a great love and concern for our community."

Members of the Presidential Search Committee include:

- Ken Lambert (committee chair), SFSC trustee representing Hardee County; vice president of enterprise solutions, Knowledge-Based Marketing Group

- Beth Andrews, SFSC department chair, Academic Foundations

- Don Appelquist, SFSC dean of resource development

- Terry Atchley, Wauchula city manager; SFSC Foundation board member

- Tim Backer '75, SFSC trustee representing DeSoto County; real estate appraiser

- Julia Burnett, Lake Placid Middle School principal

- Tim Cook, CEO, Florida Hospital Heartland; SFSC Foundation board member

- Teresa Crawford, '83, SFSC director, Hardee Campus; Hardee County School Board member

- Eddie Cuencas, SFSC coordinator, Panther Youth Program

- Dr. Frank Gibbs, retired from the Heartland Educational Consortium in Lake Placid; retired after 39 years in public education at the district level in several central Florida counties

- Joan Hartt, citrus grower; SFSC Foundation board member; former SFSC trustee

- Lindsay Lynch, SFSC director of grants development

- Martha Jo Markey, retired after 38 years in teaching and administration with the DeSoto County School District

- Zach Osha, SFSC student

- Lana Puckorius, SFSC trustee representing Highlands County; retired investment adviser

- Colleen Rafatti, SFSC director, Career Development Center

- Kris Rider, '00, SFSC trustee representing Highlands County; law firm office manager

- Abilene Rouch, SFSC student

- Bobby Sconyers, SFSC professor, Dental Assisting

- Jan Shoop, Highlands County School Board member

- Dr. Walteria Tucker, SFSC faculty member, Languages

- June Weyrauch, SFSC executive assistant to the vice president for educational and student services

- Dr. David Willey, dentist; SFSC Foundation board member

- Tealy Williams, Avon Park High School principal

The Presidential Search Committee will be charged with its responsibilities and acquire information regarding Government in the Sunshine laws in a meeting with search consultant Dr. Jeff Hockaday at noon Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the SFSC Highlands Campus.

The primary role of the committee is to narrow the field of presidential applicants for the trustees' final consideration. Much of the committee's work will occur in late February and March after applications are received.