Eileen Holden President, Polk Community College Presentation: Opening General Session Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:30am - 10:00am

Eileen Holden became President of Polk Community College in February 2006 and brought to PCC and Polk County 23 years of community college experience as an instructor and administrator. She was inaugurated on Sept. 7, 2007.

From 2001 to 2006, Dr. Holden served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Technical Education at Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From 1987 to 2001, she worked at Palm Beach Community College as a Program Manager, Division Chair and Dean for Academic Affairs. Dr. Holden also served as a faculty member at community colleges in Washington and Texas. She holds a bachelor's and master’s degree in Education and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration.

Dr. Holden currently serves on the Board of Directors for PolkWorks, Polk County Arts Alliance, Polk Vision, United Way of Central Florida, Haines City Economic Development Council, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Central Florida Development Council, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) and the East Polk Committee of 100. She also chairs on the county’s Business Competiveness Council and is a member of the Lakeland Economic Development Council, Lake Wales Economic Development Visioning Committee, the Winter Haven Rotary Club, and Community Advisory Council.
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Melinda Miles Coordinator, Teacher Preparation Programs, Florida Department of Education Presentation: General Session Luncheon and Legislative Update Download: Power Point Presentation! Thursday, October 16, 2008 12:45pm - 2:15pm

Melinda Milles is the Coordinator of Teacher Preparation Programs with the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Community Colleges. Melinda has 15 years of experience in the field of education. In addition to her current role, she has served as a teacher, reading specialist, researcher, policy analysts, school improvement facilitator, and visiting professor. Melinda is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Florida State University and holds two advanced degrees: specialist of education in educational administration and master of education in reading. She has received professional certifications in educational leadership, program evaluation, human resource development, and educational policy.