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Cathleen J. Blair

Biltmore Who’s Who Selects Cathleen J. Blair as this week’s Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry for 2009.

Cathleen J. Blair, Executive Director of Children’s Services for Okeechobee County, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Cathleen Blair’s commitment to excellence in Children’s Services.

Blair, who holds a BS in Special Education from Florida State University, followed by an MEd in Specific Learning Disabilities from the University of Georgia, and is certified in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, has spent the last thirty-six years working in the local community of Okeechobee.

As executive director of children’s services, Blair is responsible for the day to day operations of the agency, which include mental health counseling, summer camps, foster care, healthcare, and other needed programs. She develops an annual budget by working with the county commissioners and also partakes in public hearings to discuss the budgets and programs, since they are a taxing authority. She also approves purchases of agencies, develops grant packets and arranges for the council members to understand how the programs are helping the children within the county. “Having had my entire professional life in the community of Okeechobee, many people know what I do and why I do it. They respect my belief that all children can learn and all children should achieve excellence,” Blair explained. “I am extremely organized and passionate about working for the betterment of children.”

Blair’s entire career history has been in education and program development for children. Starting out as a teacher of mentally disabled elementary children, she then moved to a mid-management position and worked with parents of children with disabilities. She then became the director of exceptional student education in 1982 where she continues today. Since 1990, she served as governor appointee for nine years and was appointed by the council to her current position in 2001.

Blair plans to retire soon, but will remain active in numerous programs, including acting as president of the United Way of Okeechobee County. She also plans to continue volunteering within her local community. Currently, she’s a member of the Council of American Special Educators, the Council for Exceptional Students, the National Professional Women’s Association and is the chairperson for the Finance and Building Fund Committee. In her spare time, Cathleen enjoys travelling and reading.

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Cathleen J. Blair
Posted by Biltmore Who's Who on Friday, June 25, 2010