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THE COLES: Improving Health, Wellbeing of the Community

By  //  November 5, 2013

2013 central florida humanitarians

It must be love or a very good cause: Col. Herman Cole USAF (Ret.) attended a recent event dressed as Tina Turner.

COLE-HERMAN-388Actually, both motivations are in play. Cole participated in the “Dude Looks Like a Lady” Men Against Domestic Violence event to benefit The Women’s Center. Cole’s wife, Joyce, is vice president of the North Guild of the organization.

Turner was an abused woman, and probably used services like those the Women’s Center provides to women in crisis in Brevard County, Cole reasoned. The event, which featured many prominent men dressed as women, raised $100,000 for the charity and took place Oct. 18 at Island Lincoln Jaguar Land Rover on Merritt Island.

His participation is an example of how the couple’s humanitarian involvement works.

Herman Cole dressed as Tina Turner when he participated in the “Dude Looks Like a Lady” Men Against Domestic Violence event to benefit The Women’s Center. Turner was an abused woman, and probably used services like those the Women’s Center provides to women in crisis in Brevard County, Cole reasoned.
Herman Cole dressed as Tina Turner when he participated in the “Dude Looks Like a Lady” Men Against Domestic Violence event to benefit The Women’s Center. Turner was an abused woman, and probably used services like those the Women’s Center provides to women in crisis in Brevard County, Cole reasoned.

“She’s involved in everything I’m involved in,” Cole said, and vice versa. “That makes for a busy schedule.”

Most of Herman Cole’s community involvement is in the form of service to Parrish Medical Center. He’s been on the board of directors for 13 years and has served as chairman since January.

An architect by training, Cole got involved in the hospital when officials were planning its new facility. The previous building was designed for the ease of hospital employees, he said.

As chairman of the Parrish Medical Center Board of Director, Herman Cole said, “Our focus has been to improve the quality, safety and price of our medical care,” Cole said.

Its replacement focuses on the experience of the patients. An open foyer, for example, features daily live music. If someone didn’t tell you it was a hospital, according to Cole, you wouldn’t know it.

“Our focus has been to improve the quality, safety and price of our medical care,” Cole said.

HOSPITAL CHAIRMAN, COMMUNITY LEADERS

The hospital has garnered numerous awards for patient care, customer service and workforce engagement. He considers Parrish ahead of the curve on the Affordable Care Act, already emphasizing community involvement and a value on being a healing hospital.

Herman Cole has been on the board of directors of Parrish Medical Center for 13 years, and has served as chairman since January.
Herman Cole has been on the board of directors of Parrish Medical Center for 13 years, and has served as chairman since January.

Its new Port St. John center, a $32 million project, takes medical care to those who need it, offering low cost at higher convenience.

Cole also has served as past chairman of the Titusville YMCA board, president of the Titusville Rotary and a member of the Titusville Planning and Zoning board. He also continues to serve on the Parrish Foundation Board.

Joyce Cole, a retired teacher, donates her time to Women’s Center North Guild, which raises money for the Women’s Center. The organization provides support, education, counseling, information and services to women.

Joyce Cole, a retired teacher, donates her time to Women’s Center North Guild, which raises money for the Women’s Center. The organization provides support, education, counseling, information and services to women.

Herman Cole’s kids tease him about all the work he does for free.

He tells them, “I got a 100 percent raise last year. It’s a rewarding thing to be involved in the community,” he said.

ABOUT THE 2013 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

CFHA-SPONSORS-200-1The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world. 

This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.

“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Maverick Multimedia Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.

All Humanitarian alumni are presented a specially commissioned medallion.

“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.

This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by Brighthouse Networks, Health First, Brevard Physicians Network, Florida Pain, Forever Florida, MPAC ACO, Brevard Geriatrics, Community Credit Union, Clear Choice Health Care, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, First Choice Medical Group, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine, CentralFloridaMedicine.com and SpaceCoastDaily.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a reservation to attend the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala call 321-615-8111 or e-mail SpaceCoastMedicine@gmail.com.