Ocala, Florida (August 3rd, 2021) –The Florida Association for Career and Technical Education awarded Dean Blinkhorn, Vice President of Operations and former Director of Talent Development at the Ocala Metro Chamber of Economic Partnership, the Walter Clausen Award. Blinkhorn accepted the award at the Association for Career and Technical Education Conference in Orlando on Tuesday morning.
“Dean’s work has been integral in connecting our local business and industry with CTE students,” states Kathy Otte, Career and Technical Education Program Specialist at Marion County Public Schools. “He started several initiatives to benefit our students, such as NEXTworking and Hire a Graduate that have helped our students determine a career path. His support has enabled a multitude of opportunities for our CTE students.”
“I humbly accept this award as a recognition of the extraordinary work the Ocala Metro CEP has been able to achieve in CTE education through the continued efforts of many hard-working classroom teachers, district CTE staff, and industry partners in the community,” Blinkhorn says. “I’m looking forward to being part of the local CTE conversation for many more years to come.”
The award is to “recognize a person in business or industry for the highest meritorious contribution to the improvement, promotion, development and progress of career and technical education in the state of Florida.” The award symbolizes the qualities and leadership of Walter Clausen, a business leader whose outstanding service on the State Advisory Council for Career and Technical Education promoted quality career and technical education in Florida.
“Dean is so incredibly deserving of this recognition,” said CEP President & CEO Kevin T. Sheilley. “His tireless efforts to engage businesses with our education partners to ensure that every student has the chance to find their best opportunity is benefiting students, families, and businesses across this community.”
