Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD), a national healthcare workforce development nonprofit, today announced the appointment of three new members to join former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez as the newest additions to its Board of Directors. The distinguished appointees include Tony Carvajal, Tom Geddes, and Veronica Gonzalez.
With experience and expertise spanning government, public policy, education, and business, these additions will bolster the Board’s ability to provide essential leadership, governance, and support to help DWD further its mission to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors.
“As we enter a pivotal phase of growth at DWD, we are excited to welcome Tony, Tom, Veronica, and Senator Martinez to our Board,” said Barb Clapp, CEO of DWD. “Their extensive expertise, unwavering dedication to public service, and shared commitment to our mission will be instrumental as we continue to expand our impact nationally. With their leadership, we are poised to tackle the critical shortage in healthcare staffing and ensure that seniors receive the exceptional care and attention they deserve through our innovative and person-centered approach to workforce development.”
Sen. Mel Martinez (Ret.), a Cuban-American lobbyist and former politician, served as a United States Senator from Florida and as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush. Martinez’s distinguished career is marked by his commitment to expanding homeownership and supporting communities, particularly minority and low-income families. His journey from an immigrant through Operation Pedro Pan to a prominent public servant is chronicled in his autobiography, “A Sense of Belonging: From Castro’s Cuba to the U.S. Senate, One Man’s Pursuit of the American Dream.” Recently retired as Chairman of the Southeast U.S. and Latin America for JPMorgan Chase & Co., Martinez continues to be a vital advocate for pragmatic governance and community development.
Tony Carvajal, CEO of the Association of Florida Colleges and the Florida College System Council of Presidents, has a long and storied career in public policy and organizational leadership. His previous roles include significant positions at TaxWatch and The Able Trust, where he focused on helping persons with disabilities and Florida employers achieve their shared goal: meaningful and sustainable work that produces results. Carvajal’s decade-long service as Executive Vice President at the Florida Chamber Foundation highlights his ability to develop initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant and sustainable economy. Sought out for his expert insights into early learning, workforce development, healthcare, economic strategies, civic infrastructure, and more, Carvajal continues to be a pivotal figure in policy steering committees across Florida.
Tom Geddes is a partner and portfolio manager at Brown Advisory in the firm’s family office practice. His extensive career includes founding and serving as CEO of Plank Industries, a privately held investment company owned by Under Armour Founder & CEO Kevin Plank, as well as holding leadership roles at Passive Capital Management. Geddes’ involvement extends to the nonprofit sector, where he served as Board Chair of MedStar Harbor Hospital and as a member of the National Advisory Council for President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.
Veronica Gonzalez is the Senior Vice President of Governmental and Community Relations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Gonzalez has made significant contributions both in the public and private sectors. Gonzalez served four terms in the Texas House of Representatives, where she chaired the Border and Intergovernmental Affairs Committees. The first female elected to represent District 41 and only female representative from the Rio Grande Valley, she has received numerous accolades, including the “Legislative Champion Award” and the “Patient Advocacy Award.” Recognized nationally as one of the “Ultimate Latinas” by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Gonzalez continues to serve on numerous boards throughout the Rio Grande Valley and remains an active leader in and advocate for her community.
The group joins DWD’s current Board members Barb Clapp, Daniel Baird, Daren Cortese, Patricia Gibson, and Nicole Kaufman.
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