Meet Pete

As an Army brat, my first real memories are of Seattle Washington. We then moved on to Kaiserslautern, Germany; Enterprise, Alabama; Orleans, France; and Milton, Florida. My family moved to Orange County in 1964. Our first home in Orlando was on Gilpin Way just off of Conway Road. I graduated from Boone High School and continued my education earning a Bachelors degree and two Masters. 

While higher education certainly prepared me for many challenges my work with a local construction company taught me a lifelong lesson. Through part of high school, throughout college and following college I worked for Brant Brothers Inc., They were in the insulation/acoustical tile business, located on South Orange Avenue. This company was extraordinarily good to me, helped me through college, and most importantly taught me the importance of a hard day’s work and the feeling of accomplishment of a job well done for a boss you respect. These basic tenants have followed me throughout my careers with the State of Florida and Orange County. They will also anchor my commitment to you, the “boss”, to whom I will always show respect while giving you a hard day’s work.

I have primarily lived in East Orange County, including the City of Belle Isle. I currently live in the Conway area with my wonderful wife Cathie, (a Boone Brave), two step sons, (one a recent Boone Graduate) two Lab mix pound pups and two adopted stray cats.  For enjoyment we try to get to the beach, see every comic book hero movie and really enjoy hanging out with each other. My personal list of activities includes, golf, riding my bike, trying to surf again and playing in a classic rock band. We attend Discovery Church at the Orange Avenue campus and try to enjoy a quite Sunday breakfast following the service at near by restaurants. (I must disclose a two year absence from Orange County following my graduation from West Florida. While working in Orange County I lived in New Smyrna Beach because the surf was much better there.)

EDUCATION

• Graduated from Boone High School
• Earned my Associate in Science from Seminole Junior College
• Earned my Bachelors of Science Degree in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida
• Earned my Masters of Science Degree in Education/Public Health from Florida State University
• Earned my Masters of Science Degree in Management from Rollins College
• Completed the USAF course in Hospital Administration/Health Services Management at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Fall Texas
• Completed numerous Emergency Management courses at FEMA’s training facilities in Emmitsburg  and Mount Weather
• NIMS (National Incident Management System) certified

I have always tried to be active with Community Groups and below you will find a listing of some of my past and present associations:

• Health Council of East Central Florida Inc.
• Child Advocacy Center Advisory Board
• United Way 211 Advisory Board
• Health Care Center for the Homeless Advisory board
• Delta Council Senior Resource Alliance
• Health Alliance Inc.
• Primary Care Access Network (PCAN)
• Central Florida Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO)
• Lake Eola Charter School Board Inc.
• Shepherds Hope Inc.
• Low Income Pool Council (State Council to direct 1Billion in Medicaid spending)
• Florida Public Health Association
• Drowning Prevention Task Force
• Kiwanis Club

Although I am a “People over Plaques” person some recent recognition includes:

• Awarded Florida Association of Community Health Centers Partner of the Year award
• Awarded Central Association of Public Administrators Manager of the Year Award
• Received Mayors special recognition award for Avian Flu Summits

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Growing up I held a variety of part time/summer jobs that helped finance my hobbies as well as my college education. Like most kids growing up in the Conway area we would mow any yard at any time for almost any price. I also worked pressure washing roofs, mowing lake banks and parks for the City, Holiday lay-away at Sears, working the pin setting machines in the back of a bowling alley, unloading box cars, insulating new construction and installing acoustical tile ceilings.

My time with the State Department of Health began with the Environmental Health section. I was involved in field work performing inspections and investigations related to water, waste and complaint resolution. I then moved to the laboratory where we performed water analysis and epidemiological investigations. It was at this time I was involved in the first Swine Flu scare. After earning my Masters Degree I was moved into management and began learning the budget and finance part of the Department as well as the art and science of serving our clients in a cost effective and efficient manner. Before leaving the Health Department as the Assistant Director I learned two more lessons that I carry with me. These are: “Always leave an organization better than you found it”  (Warren A. Vick) ; and “It is far easier to criticize from the outside than it is to effect change from the inside”. (Dr. John F. McGarry).

I then began my career with Orange County as the Manager of the Medical Clinic and Deputy Director for Health and Family Services.  During the time I worked for the County I  provided either direct or indirect oversight for the Medical Clinic, Animal Services, Mosquito Control, Environmental Protection, Parks & Recreation, EMS pre-hospital care, Disaster Health Care, Medical Examiner, Citizens’ Commission for Children, Head Start, Community Action, Youth and Family Services, History Center, Corrections Medical Services, Primary Care Access Network, Human Resources and Budget and Finance. I was responsible for a budget exceeding $100 million dollars and a staffing complement of 1,000 plus.  This was an exciting and rewarding period as I was able to utilize all of my education and experiences. With responsibilities ranging from the care of abused, neglected children, forensic science, environmental services, public safety, health care and a host of other equally important disciplines, I have a well rounded and pragmatic approach to problem solving… Work With the Community!!

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

During my career, I chose to be an active partner with organizations and individuals in the community. These partnerships led to some achievements that will provide you with a perspective of my ability to get things done.

Primary Care Access Network (PCAN)
In 1999 Princeton Hospital abruptly closed its doors and this was followed by the closure of another Emergency Department. The County Chairman received a letter from area health care leaders asking us to provide leadership in addressing the health care needs of our uninsured. We ran a County Clinic at the time that was not operating as effectively as we would have liked so with help from a Community Health Center I developed a financial model that allowed us to match our clinic budget, draw down additional federal funds and eventually create a network of eleven clinics. The network was accomplished with a minimal increase to the clinic budget and grew from a patient base of 5,000 patients in 1999 to over 100,000 Orange County residents having been served. It is important to note that in Orange County 75% of our uninsured are working. This program was nominated for a Harvard Kennedy School of Government innovation award this year. It is one of only 16 nominees selected from a nationwide competition.

After School Zone (ASZ)
Orange County Middle School children were being faced with choices after school and unfortunately many were not good. In partnership with FOCUS, The Central Florida YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida another choice was made available. My boss and I worked to create a safe and beneficial alternative for kids at risk of being left alone at home or worse left to hit the streets. We created a program in all middle schools (except the City of Orlando who has its own program) that focuses on learning as well as having fun. Parents now know where their kids are if they participate in the “Zone”

Sexual Assault Center
In the aftermath of a crime as devastating as a rape, victims were being examined in local emergency departments as prescribed by law. This was not a satisfactory way to treat the victims. Everyone connected to the “system” wanted change. In a wonderful partnership with the Woman’s Resource Center (WRC) and Florida Hospital a stand alone center located on hospital grounds became a reality. Victims and law enforcement now have a warm, calm  home like alternative to the emergency department where the forensic exams and interviews can take place.

Victims Service Center
Orange County spends hundreds of millions of dollars funding the criminal justice system but several years ago it was believed that we should focus our attention on assisting the victims of crime. The Victims Service Center (VSC) was originally a county government program but its approval was contingent upon it becoming a stand alone not-for-profit within a specified time frame. We worked with the center staff and community partners to transition the program to a successful not-for-profit status. Although funding has been difficult to secure for victims issues the Center continues to provide a valuable service to our residents.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Drowning Prevention Task Force
Following tragic drowning of a local child, I was asked by the Public Safety Director to reestablish a task force to develop educational programs and seek ways to provide and promote water safety for children. Over the course of four years the group has become multi-county is still going strong. The membership is comprised of public and private partners and has but one over arching goal. Prevent childhood downing.

Public Health
My years in Public Health included work with Environmental Health, Laboratory, Epidemiology and Management. As we face issues like the current Swine Flu Epidemic my educational and work experiences will certainly be beneficial to the residents of District 4 and the county as a whole.

Disaster EOC
The Hurricanes of 2004 still remain an almost unbelievable series of events.  Orange County has a primary purpose, the safety of its residents. Over the years I have trained and attended many classes designed to prepare this community for activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for a real event. For years I was the individual responsible for Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8-Health & Medical including Persons With Special Needs (PSN) and I spent several days managing that aspect of Orange County’s response to the emergency. Our goal was to assure each PSN was contacted or accounted for and we developed  processes to assure just that. There is no substitute for this real life experience.

Community Crime Forums
As a panelist participating in a number of Community Crime forums (including the District 4 discussion) it is evident that our residents remain concerned about their safety. It is unfortunate that so many are victimized but a continuing dialogue identifying the types of crimes; age of the perpetrator(s) (if known) and the time of day when the crimes occur will be helpful when addressing the resource needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

Corrections Medical Services (Orange County Jail)
Following the second of two inmate deaths at the jail my department was asked to take over medical care for the jails inmates.  This occurred after the Jail Oversight Committee offered recommendations to improve all jail operations. The request was made  due to our experience in providing medical care, our community network of providers to assist us in system changes and our ability to assign top flight staff to the effort. Currently our medical division is nationally accredited and continually passes reviews with minimal, if any, issues. Regardless of the perception that inmates are receiving too much care management is constantly aware of Federal Law, potential law suits and the fact that medical care in jail may well alleviate more expensive care once released.

Children’s Services
What is a world class community without ways to protect it’s most vulnerable and valuable asset....its children? I have had responsibility for Parks and Recreation in the past and regard our Parks as an essential part of our daily lives. More recently I had responsibility for the Citizens’ Commission for Children, and Youth & Family Services. These Divisions focused on both prevention and intervention. Our program goals included emergency assistance to help families avoid eviction, job assistance and 100 plus foster care beds for abused and/or neglected children. Orange County has a rich history of providing services for families and children, and today we find these services  in some jeopardy due to funding concerns.