About ConnectED Polk
ConnectED Polk is an intermediary non-profit that fosters collaboration among educational institutions, students, community stakeholders, and industry partners to ensure education and training programs remain relevant and adaptable. By working closely with industry leaders, we identify key occupations, skill gaps, and trends, leading to practical training solutions.
Our focus on systemic change aligns educational practices with business needs in alignment with their strategic plans of engagement to empower graduates to succeed. Through innovative models, ConnectED Polk improves access to high-quality education, transforming educational experiences and fostering economic growth.
By spearheading and partnering on ConnectED Polk initiatives, together we create equal opportunities for students. This collaboration with educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders helps build a brighter future for all students.
Impact
Bridging Education, Experience, and Industry
ConnectED Polk is an intermediary non-profit that collaborates with educational institutions, industry partners, and community stakeholders to enhance graduate preparedness. ConnectED Polk focuses on creating equal opportunities for high-quality education models and aligning education with access to the ConnectED Polk network, empowering students for future careers.
Mission
ConnectED Polk is committed to transforming Polk County’s educational landscape by engaging the business community. ConnectED Polk’s mission is to enhance high school and post-secondary graduates’ preparedness, making Polk County a premier destination for families and businesses through innovative educational practices and strong industry partnerships.
Vision
ConnectED Polk envisions every student in Polk County having access to high-ranking schools that provide quality education, creating well-prepared graduates for our growing economy. By supporting ConnectED Polk, we drive educational innovation, enhance career readiness, expand access to quality educational opportunities, and strengthen community ties for a dynamic, inclusive educational future.
Our Core Beliefs and Values
01
When Business And Education Leaders Join Forces, The Success Of Our Schools Becomes A Community Responsibility.
02
Advocating For Students Will Ensure Our Economic Future.
03
Improving Schools Requires Empowering Educators, Providing Adequate Resources, And Expecting Results.
04
A Student’s ZIP Code Should Not Determine Their Future But A Quality Education Does.
ConnectED Polk Leadership
Staff
Melody Rider
President
Executive Board
Frederick Heid
Superintendent, Polk County Public Schools
Marcy Benton
Vice President of Human Resources, Publix Super Markets
Todd Baylis
Chief Customer Officer, Bloomerang
Brian Philpot
President, CEO, and Principal Owner, AgAmerica
At Large
Alice Hunt
Marketing, Manager, and Customer Care, Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.
At Large
Ashley Bell-Barnett
Community Advocate, Member of the Board of Governors of the State University System
Jeff Chamberlain
Retired, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Past Chairman of the Board
David D. Hallock, Jr.
Shareholder, GreyRobinson
Chairman of the Board