August 21, 2019
Dear Friend of The Able Trust:
As a valued partne
r in providing opportunities for successful employment for Floridians with disabilities and the direct-support organization for the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, I want to take the time to provide you with exciting news regarding great changes in store for our beloved organization. As I am sure you are already aware, our board and staff have been working closely with Commissioner of Education, Richard Corcoran, and his team to lay the foundation for a bright and successful future. We are all committed to devoting resources to address barriers and issues that affect the employment of Floridians with disabilities.
In light of all of this excitement, I am happy to share that we have landed an exciting new President and CEO to lead us! Please join us in welcoming Tony Carvajal as The Able Trust’s new President and CEO. As you have likely heard, Dr. Susanne Homant, our former President and CEO of The Able Trust, has retired. During this transition period, we are taking the opportunity to make meaningful changes that will help us take The Able Trust to new levels of excellence.
Most recently, Tony has served as Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation, the research and solutions development arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Tony has vast experience working with state and business leaders, providing guidance and insight into state-wide plans, and leading the Florida Chamber Foundation’s work to improve the Sunshine State. He also brings decades of experience to Able Trust and has a proven track record of managing and consulting with trade and professional associations across the country, board and staff development, and the design of an innovative leadership system that will take us to the next level.
Selecting Tony to lead our organization is a clear reflection of Able Trust’s priorities. We are well-positioned to take on the future and fired up after another strong year of success in assisting 556 individuals with disabilities to obtain jobs and gain vital work experience via internships. In addition, 1,336 students with disabilities were served by the High School High Tech program, and 1,500 people participated in Disability Employment Awareness Month activities.
However, we must not rest on our laurels and past accomplishments. We can, and should, always strive to be better. We have accomplished so much, but we are fully expecting that Tony is the right person at the right time to lead us to new heights of success. We are confident that our impact will only increase under Tony’s guidance. Make no mistake about it, your continued support and insight is essential to our future success.
To our grant partners and program participants, this is exciting news as we look forward to continue working closely with you during this transition period to elevate the positive impact we have on Florida. In an effort to streamline our organization, the Able Charitable Foundation will no longer be the fundraising arm of The Able Trust. Fundraising responsibilities will return to The Able Trust as we aim to strengthen our mission.
We are grateful for you and your company’s history of supporting The Able Trust. Organizations like yours, that share a common commitment, make it possible for Florida to continue to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families. With all these positive changes and new bold leadership, we fully expect to be one of the best direct-support organizations in the nation!
Sincerely,
Karen B. Moore, Board Chair
cc: Richard Corcoran, Commissioner of Education and Allison Flanagan, Division Director for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation, Florida Department of Education