FAPSC Press Release: State Association Selects Career Education and Workforce Veteran To Lead as New Executive Director

Curtis C. Austin will direct Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Dec. 12, 2012 – Dean Bartness, President of the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools, announced today that Curtis C. Austin has been selected by the board of directors as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Mr. Austin brings to the association more than 20 years’ experience in higher education, workforce policy and public advocacy in Tallahassee.

FAPSC, founded more than 55 years ago, is a statewide organization representing more than 200 private, career-oriented colleges and schools.

"Curtis Austin has an impressive record of excellence and executive level management in career and professional higher education,” said FAPSC President Dean Bartness. "He is uniquely qualified for this important job to serve association member schools by promoting access, advocacy and accountability.”

Mr. Austin most recently served as Director of State and Government Relations with Keiser University, where in the last five years he also has served in associate vice chancellor positions in government relations and business development. Before joining Keiser, Mr. Austin spent seven years as President and CEO of Workforce Florida, the statewide, business-led workforce policy board. Prior to that, Mr. Austin served nine years with The Florida Senate, including time as Staff Director for the Commerce and Economic Opportunity Committee and Staff Director of the Executive Business, Ethics and Elections Committee. He began his career as an assistant professor of communications and director of forensics at Florida State University.

Mr. Austin has a solid understanding of the role of private career schools and colleges in the state of Florida. His knowledge of the state higher education system, boards, workforce needs and legislative process positions him to be a strong advocate and voice for FAPSC and its member schools, FAPSC President Bartness said.

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About FAPSC 
The Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC) works on behalf of all Florida’s degree granting and non-degree granting career schools and colleges. Licensed by the state, these schools educate and prepare more than 379,000 students each year for employment in more than 200 occupational fields. For more information, visit www.FAPSC.org.
www.FAPSC.org