Brevard Achievement Center Selects Amar Patel CEO
By SpaceCoastDaily // June 12, 2012
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Board of Directors of the Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) announced that Amar Patel, a BAC board member since 2009, has been selected as the agency’s new president and chief executive officer.
Patel will replace retiring President and CEO, Dayle Olson, effective June 18.
Patel has been employed by Harris Corporation since 2004 when he began as a test engineer directly after graduating from the University of Florida. During his eight years at Harris, Patel earned positions of increasing responsibility.
His most recent leadership role was as program manager of F35, the largest avionics program to date at the Melbourne-based communications and information technology firm. Prior to this position, Patel served as program manager of F22 where he oversaw a multi-million dollar production program.
While program manager for both F35 and F22, the programs achieved 100 percent on-time delivery with zero quality rejects.
Prior to becoming a program manager, he was given an engineering process award for process innovation in the implementation of a Manufacturing Execution System.
“After an extensive and competitive search process, I could not be more pleased that Amar will be assuming the position as President of Brevard Achievement Center,” said BAC Board Chair, Travis Proctor.
“He is an accomplished leader with proven success at managing large operations and has a demonstrated passion for persons with disabilities. The Board is confident that the agency will not only continue to thrive, but reach new heights under Amar’s direction.”
Passion For Making A Difference
At Harris, Patel was chosen to serve as a loaned leader for the company’s 2007 United Way campaign. It was in this capacity that he realized his passion for making a difference.
“When I went out into the community for United Way and saw so many wonderful non profits doing so much with so little, it truly made me realize that I wanted to be more connected to our community,” said Patel.
“The opportunity to lead a premier organization like the Brevard Achievement Center is one that doesn’t come along often. I am extremely grateful for the chance to take BAC to an even greater level of achievement.”
Proctor also noted that Patel is taking the helm at a key time for the agency thanks to strong leadership from Olson.
“BAC recently received a $1 million state grant to fund on-site training programs for out-of-work adults with disabilities at employment sites within Brevard County that cater to the hospitality, medical and technical fields,” said Proctor.
“BAC also was recently chosen as one of 500 national, non profit finalists in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program. But, the agency’s most impressive accomplishment is that it has no debt. That is because of the remarkable leadership Dayle Olson has provided over the past 15 years. I’m sure there are many incoming CEO’s that would love to inherit an organization in such a strong strategic position.”
Patel holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, an M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an M.B.A. from the University of Florida.
When not climbing the career ladder, Patel and his wife, Megan can be found climbing mountains in the U.S. and beyond. His love of the sport also inspired him to serve as a director of RockOn, a local non profit whose mission is to foster independence through rock climbing for kids with disabilities.
Helping Those With Disabilities
The Brevard Achievement Center was established in 1968 by a group of parents and community members concerned about the lack of vocational services for persons with disabilities.
Today its mission, to assist individuals with disabilities so they achieve vocational and social independence, is fulfilled by approximately 89 staff members throughout its locations in Rockledge, Titusville and Melbourne, Florida.
The center serves over 4,200 clients via 14 programs including Ability One® which allows clients the chance to integrate into the workforce at seven contracted federal employment sites in Florida and one in Puerto Rico.
The Brevard Achievement Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nationally accredited agency recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International) and is a United Way partner.
For more information log on to BACBrevard.com or call 321-632-8610.
