July 2005 to Present Brevard Business Leadership Network- Founder/Executive Director

Betsy Farmer 1490 Dowd Crt. SE Palm Bay, FL 32909

Career Summary

July 2005 to Present Brevard Business Leadership Network- Founder/Executive Director Establishing a network of employers dedicated to expanding the employment & career opportunities for students and adults with disabilities. 1/08 Created employment agency to provide hands on career coaching to Brevard residents with disabilities.

October 2002 – October 2004 Community Development Manager–National Center for Boundless Playgrounds – helping Florida communities build handicapped accessible playgrounds

Instrumental in establishing Florida Boundless Playgrounds Initiative with Governor Jeb Bush

December 1987 – April 2001 Co-founder/Executive Director of Space Coast Early Intervention Center(SCEIC)-non-profit preschool for children with and without special needs

*SCEIC began with 3 children and 1 paid teacher in 1987 and grew to an enrollment of 72 children and staff of 36 by 2001 – that included ESE teachers, Occupation, Physical and Speech therapists working in an interdisciplinary model *SCEIC was a nationally recognized early intervention enter that drew visitors from around the world *Over $5million was raised from 1987 – 2001 from local and national fundraising efforts

June 1993 County Campaign Manger for Florida Children’s Campaign

March 1987 Co-founder of UP WITH DOWNS – a support group for families of children with Down syndrome

Professional Memberships Florida Association of Professionals in Supported Employment National Society of Fundraising Executives Council for Exceptional Children National Down syndrome Congress South Brevard Professional Women’s Network Melbourne/Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce Florida Center for Children and Youth National Association for Education of Young Children Betsy Farmer Page 2

Special Recognitions

11/07 Re-appointed by Governor Charlie to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. Re-appointed as member of the Employment Task Force

2/06 Honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame with the “Keeper of the Flame” Award – one of only 6 women Nationally

3/02 South Brevard, Boy Scouts of America Honoree

4/00 Appointed to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council by Governor Jeb Bush – Member of the Employment Task Force. Served as Chair from 2002 – 2006.

12/99 Received the 1999 Women of Achievement Honor from the Space Coast Division of March of Dimes

11/99 Received the 1999 Women at their Best Cover Girl/Glamour Award

2/98 Received the Heart of Gold Award from the Brevard County/American Heart Association

9/97 Received FANO (Florida Association of Non-profit Organizations) Award of Excellence as the 1997 Humanitarian of the Year

6/97 One of Ten Nationwide recipients awarded the Publishers Clearing House Good as Gold Award in recognition as one of the “nations finest community servants”

10/96 Received the White Rose Achievement Award from March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Space Coast Division

12/96 Recognized by the Brevard County Commissioners for Outstanding Achievements and Meritorious Contributions to Children

10/96 Nominated by Governor Bob Martinez for the Lewis Hine Award for Service to Children and Youth, as the top volunteer in the State of Florida

6/92 One of eight people nationally to receive the “As They Grow Award” from Parents Magazine for “making the Country a better place for everyone”

9/89 Appointed by Governor Bob Martinez to the State Coordinating Council for Early Childhood Services Betsy Farmer Page 3

Accomplishments

In October of 2006 the Brevard BLN successfully facilitated a Brevard community agency and business partner collaboration. A $175,000 Grant was secured from the State of Florida through Workforce Florida, Inc. to fund Project SEARCH. With an additional $382,000 in matching funds and in-kind Donations leveraged for classroom space, equipment, and personnel. The Project SEARCH program in Brevard County is the first in the state of Florida. Project SEARCH provides a comprehensive approach to employment, job retention, and career advancement for youth and adults with with disabilities. Collaborative partners: Brevard Workforce Development Board, Brevard BLN, Brevard Public Schools, Health First Corporation, Mercedes Homes Corporation, Brevard Achievement Center and Bridges.

In 1996 helped to establish the first Brevard County Inter-Agency Collaborative Agreement between Holmes Regional Medical Center, Brevard County School System and the Child Care Association – to benefit preschool children and their families

Space Coast Early Intervention Center named 1997 Outstanding Organization of the Year by the Florida Today Newspaper

In January of 1997, as part of the H.O.P.E collaboration, Betsy Farmer, members of the Executive team from Holmes Regional Medical Center and 6 other community leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept the coveted 1997 NOVA Award from the American Hospital Association at its annual meeting. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna E. Shalala praised H.O.P.E. for it’s success in providing a seamless continuum of services for Brevard County children with disabilities and those at risk.

Additional Training *Supported Competitive Integrated Employment Training Project Discovering the Personal Genius/ Marketing and Job Development *Orientation to Supported Employment training *National Society of Fundraising Executives Conference *The Fundraising School of Indiana University of Philanthropy *Effective Time Management Training Program *Tompkins-Cortland Community College, Dryden, New York