Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XIV, Issue I Spring 2020 | Page 12

FOUNDATION NEWS A BUSINESS COMMUNITY, EDUCATORS, CONNECT AT WORKFORCE SUMMIT pproximately 100 guests attended PHSC’s first Workforce Stakeholders Engagement Summit, held at the Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center at PHSC’s Spring Hill Campus last September. Featured speakers included Chancellor for Innovation Eric Hall, Ed.D., Florida Department of Education, and Frank Morsani, retired chair of Automotive Investments, philanthropist and champion of the arts and education. Chancellor Hall presented compelling industry and education data and outlined Governor Ron DeSantis’ priorities, including distinguishing Florida’s workforce education as among the best in the nation—ensuring that students secure the skills needed to meet the demands of Florida employers. A product of Pasco County schools and the son of Pasco and Hernando county teachers, Hall attended PHSC and earned degrees in educational leadership and policy from the University of South Florida. Morsani, a Brooksville resident, relayed business advice in an interview-style session conducted by PHSC President Timothy L. Beard. Morsani, former Chairman of the Board of the United States Chamber of Commerce, relayed how his life and work experiences shaped his success. The philanthropist also emphasized the importance of collaboration between educators and the business community. Moderated by Stan Giannet, Ph.D., PHSC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Faculty Development/College Provost, the event featured presentations by Hernando County Superintendent of Schools John Stratton; PHSC Trustee Marilyn Pearson- 10 PHSC Adams; and Hernando County Officials Jeffrey Rogers and Valerie Pianta. Pamela Baldwin, Ed.D., Micro-Matic, moderated a panel that featured PHSC alumni Nicholaos Gigintzis, Memorial Hospital of Tampa; Keith Jarman, AME International; David Lambert, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative; and Sam Wagoner, Sunrise Consulting Group as well as Meclina Priestley, a winter 2019 PHSC graduate and owner of Meclina Art. “The Summit provided a forum for business leaders and educators to review industry training and skill sets,” said President Beard. “With manufacturing and business technologies evolving, more than ever, stakeholders need to share resources and collaborate more closely.” The Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, and Chick-fil-A of Hernando County sponsored the Workforce Stakeholders Engagement Summit. Courtesy of the author, guests received autographed copies of Morsani’s biography To Be Frank: Building the American Dream in Business and Life. Event proceeds will establish a new PHSC Foundation workforce scholarship, reserved for Hernando County residents and/or employees of Hernando-based businesses. SAVE THE DATE! Workforce Stakeholders Engagement Summit Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch MAY 13, 2020