Suzanne Hutcheson

This presentation will focus on the key components of conversion including program and fiscal planning, person centered approaches, barriers real and imagined to employment and current economic and political issues. When an organization determines that community based services focusing on employment is the road to follow, a strategic value based planning process emphasizing consumer outcomes based on individual choice, performance based staffing, fiscal accountability and business partnerships must be initiated. In today's economic and political climate, employment options must be explored with new approaches that include integrated funding streams, diversification of resources and a willingness to take reasonable risks. Suzanne Hutcheson has been the President/CEO of Tri-County TEC since August 1977. In that capacity, she led the organization through major organizational change from a sheltered workshop/work activity center to a totally community based organization. Suzy currently serves as a member of the APSE National Executive Board, the Treasure Coast Workforce Development Board, Florida APSE Board of Directors, the United Way Volunteer and Community Resource Center Board of Directors, and many others. She has provided numerous trainings and consulting in the areas of supported employment, organizational change, and program development.