Darlene Maynard

Graduated from UWF in 2001 with Honors majoring in Social Work and Child Welfare. Darlene attained a Master of Social Work from Florida State University in 2004. Darlene brings an abundance of skills to the workforce that include child and disability advocacy, crisis intervention, grassroots organizing, resource allocation, staff development, and goal setting. Darlene was selected by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to serve on the Florida Independent Living Council for two terms, 2000-2006.

Currently Darlene is program director of Escambia County High School/High Tech. The High School/High Tech program lets students explore educational and career opportunities in High Technology related fields. Students have the opportunity to develop a Post High School Graduation Plan that is designed around their individual career and college goals. Students will also have the opportunity in January 2007 to apply and interview for summer internships.

Community Involvement

• Trustee, Florida Rehabilitation Foundation of Northwest Florida
• Member, Board of Directors, Mental Health Association of West Florida, Inc.
• Member, Board of Directors, Hands On Pensacola, Vice President
• Member, University of West Florida, Social Work Department Advisory Board

Currently Darlene is Trustee, Florida Rehabilitation two terms.

JR Harding, Ed.D

Graduated from UWF in 1993 with a master in education, and an emphasis on leadership. During his student days, JR Harding co-founded UWF’s students with Alternative Needs program, and helped the university with its first Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan. Because of the quality education and the friendship/mentor role of his professors, JR has made a planned gift to the university, specifically the college of Education, to help future students with disabilities to succeed.

Currently, JR is serving as the External Affairs Manager for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities within the state of Florida. In this position he is charged with advancing employment, transportation, and community relations for persons with disabilities. At the same time, JR also serves as a 2x presidential appointee to the US Access Board (www.access-board.gov). From this position he helps develop the national accessibility guidelines in cooperation with the US Justice Department and many other federal agencies.

Along with his state and federal employment, JR is a sought after disability consultant for building codes, transportation, and public speaking (www.jrharding.com).

Community Involvement

• Chairman, Commission of the Transportation Disadvantaged
• Vice Chairman, Governors Commission on Disabilities
• Leadership Florida, Class XXVII
• Leadership Tallahassee, Class XIX
• Co-founder, Florida Disability Mentoring Day
• Florida Disability Outdoor Association
• Member of the Chamber, Tallahassee
• UWF Alumni Association