Curriculum Vitae

Dr. James R. Harding, II Ed.D
6027 Ox Bottom Manor Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32312
Phone: 850-907-0652
Fax: 850-907-9301
Mobile: 850-510-4628
Email: jrfsu@comcast.net

Disability Expert

Proactive consultant for the disabled community with a track record of success enacting change

at the local, state, and national levels to improve the quality of life for more than 60 million Americans.

Highly dedicated and policy-oriented executive committed to maximizing the independence and self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities by applying America’s public and private policies and procedures to the built environment and employment sector. Partner with state and national organizations to ensure the highest degree of reasonable accommodation and integration of diverse disabled populations.

Recognized as a community ambassador and change agent with a solid ability to influence board member elections through presidential and gubernatorial connections. Expertise in driving change across a broad spectrum of industries including the employment, education, transportation, and building code sectors. Outstanding communicator, effective negotiator, and motivational team builder; able to communicate needs and merge teams in support of overall objectives.

Core Skill Areas:

w Executive Board Leadership

w Strategic / Tactical Planning

w Presentations / Negotiations

w Public / Community Affairs

w Public Policy Development

w Legislative Appropriations

w Budget Administration

w ADA Compliance

w Cross-Functional Communication

w Staff Development / Training

w Organizational Development

w Team Building / Leadership

Selected Professional Achievements

· Appointed by President Bush to the United States Access Board to develop and maintain design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and electronic and information technology.

· Serve as Chairman of the Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged to ensure the availability of efficient, cost-effective, and quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons; manage a $360 million annual operating budget. Appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to serve as Chairman.

· Elected to the Executive Board of the ADA Working Group to teach state, county, and city governments and other interested parties how to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; appointed by Governor Jeb Bush.

· Recognized as the only disabled graduate of Leadership Tallahassee; represented the disabled community by challenging and educating existing community leaders on various issues and facilitating positive change.

· Procured in excess of $360 million from the Florida Legislature for disability issues; led the charge to pass House Bill 1175 and House Bill 4871 – two critical transportation disability bills that enhanced outdated legislation.

· Secured more than $3.5 million to fund and develop Billy Joe Rish Park, a 98-acre virtual paradise that includes a park, multipurpose event hall, and residential living that are completely accessible to all citizens.

· Served as member of transition team, for Governor Elect, Charlie Crist (Education and Disability Team.)

Professional Experience

Florida Department of Education, Tallahassee, FL 2002-Present

Partnership Specialist III

Serve as a key advocate for persons with disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and the Florida Department of Education (DOE), acting as a valued representative for multiple national and statewide committees and organizations, including the United States Access Board, Transportation Disadvantage Commission, and the Florida Building Commission. Educate lawmakers and the community regarding VR services for persons with disabilities and conduct frequent presentations at state and national conferences.

Work closely with national and statewide organizations to promote a specific agenda that supports the integration of the disabled population into the mainstream of American life, including employment, education, business, politics, healthcare, and recreation. Travel across the country to meet with business leaders, speak at national events, and tour public facilities to ensure that the disabled community is being included in all facets of life.

Program Specialist – Office of the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (2000-2002)

Interim Executive Director – Occupational Access and Opportunity Commission (1999)

Special Assistant to House Appropriations Chair – Florida House of Representatives (1996)

Assistant Analyst – Governor’s Planning and Budgeting Department Education Unit (1995)

Master of Education – Educational Leadership / Curriculum and Instruction (1993)

U.S.

Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Advisory and Technical Guidelines Committees

2007-2010 and 2002-2006 – United States Access Board (Vice Chairman, 2005-2006)

2004-2006 – United States Election Assistance Commission Advisor and Technical Boards

1996-1997 – Board of Regents, State University System, Florida (2x appointed by Dem. governor)

Highly recruited to speak in front of a variety of audiences, including US Congressional testimonies, state Congressional testimonies, university lectures, high school graduations, organizational fundraisers, and various conferences.

Curriculum Vitae

Disability Expert

Core Skill Areas:

Professional Experience

Academic Background

National, State and Community Service

Political Appointments

Speaking Engagements