Bio
Amar Patel
President and Chief Executive Officer

Amar has served Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) as President & CEO since June 2012.

Under his leadership, BAC serves more than 4,000 individuals with disabilities each year through innovative services across its various programs. Since 2012, the budget has grown in excess of $40 million. BAC is the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and one of the 25 largest AbilityOne producing agencies in the national set-aside program providing contracted services to our federal government.

Prior to joining the BAC team, Amar was with Harris Corporation where he served as program manager for the F22, and F35 program, the largest avionics program to date at the Melbourne-based communications and information technology firm.

Amar holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, an M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an MBA from the University of Florida. Amar serves the National Council of SourceAmerica Employers Executive Committee as South Region Representative; is an active member of the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors of CareerSource Brevard and is a member of RESPECT of Florida’s State-use Program Oversight Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Warriors promoting healing of wounded veterans through Hockey.

Amar is a 2015 recipient of LEAD Brevard’s “4 Under 40” award. He is an avid ice hockey player and youth hockey coach and enjoys hiking, backpacking, and camping. Of his various accomplishments, however, Amar is most proud of his family: wife, Megan, and two children, Layla and Luca.

Bio
Ryan Rogers
Vice President, Administration & CFO

Ryan Rogers began his career at Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) in 1992 after graduating from Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. BAC serves more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities each year through innovative services across its various programs. It is the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and the 27th largest AbilityOne producing agency in the national set-aside program providing contracted services to our federal government.

As VP of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Ryan’s responsibilities include financial management, technology, risk management, workers compensation, facilities and business practices.

Ryan is a graduate of LEAD Brevard class of 1996, established the Brevard CFO Forum (primarily not-for-profits) and has served on the board of Pass the Torch, Special Gatherings and Voice of Truth Family Ministries, Inc. He also has held leadership positions in Boy Scouts of America Pack and Troop 337.

He, his wife Kerri and three children, Grace, Garret and Samuel are all Florida grown and have lived in Melbourne since the beginning. Ryan and his family have always enjoyed the outdoors with camping, biking and hiking.

Robert Gramolini VP of Employment Training Services

Bio
Robert Gramolini
Vice President, Employment Transition Services

Robert Gramolini joined the Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) team in 2002. BAC serves more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities each year through innovative services across its various programs. It is the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and the 27th largest AbilityOne producing agency in the national set-aside program providing contracted services to our federal government.

Robert began his BAC career as an employment coordinator and was later promoted to manager of the Employment Services division. Today, as the Vice President of Employment Transition Services, Robert is responsible for all employment and waiver supported services including partnerships with Brevard Public Schools, Social Security Administration, Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Robert holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut. He serves as secretary/treasurer of the Resource Center for Disability Solutions and is a member of the Career Center Committee for CareerSource Brevard. He and his wife enjoy spending time exploring their Cocoa Village neighborhood with their dog, Shyla.

Bio
Josephine (Jo) Hughes
Vice President, Human Resources

Jo joined the leadership team of Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) as Vice President, Human Resources in April 2018. BAC serves more than 3,200 individuals with disabilities each year through innovative services across its various programs. It is the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and the 27th largest AbilityOne producing agency in the national set-aside program providing contracted services to our federal government.

She brings to the BAC team an expertise in recruiting, retention, career development, change management, compensation and HR operations. Her extensive experience with team building, entrepreneurial efforts, project management and program implementation will support the aggressive strategic team growth BAC is undertaking over the next four years.

Previous roles include leadership positions with both PaineWebber and Capgemini Ernst & Young. Jo holds a B.A. in Psychology from Hofstra University and an M.A. in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as well as the South Brevard Chapter.

She and her husband Jerry live in Merritt Island. In her spare time, Jo enjoys tackling DIY home improvement projects with Jerry.

Bio
Susan McGrath
Vice President, Business Development & Government Relations

Susan McGrath works to elevate the importance of the social enterprise sector in providing service excellence to customers across the southeast, while creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

She joined the BAC team as Vice President of Community Relations in 2016, with the goal of expanding the agency’s brand awareness, individual and corporate giving efforts, and grant acquisition. She now serves as Vice President of Business Development & Government Relations, with a focus on growing the mission impact of the organization through expansion of federal, state, and local service contracts and other opportunities. BAC serves more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities each year through innovative services across its various programs. It is the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and the 27th largest AbilityOne producing agency in the national set-aside program providing contracted services to our federal government.

Previously, she helped raise more than $110 million for critical health and human care services. She began her career with United Way of Alachua County in Gainesville in 1995 as their Communication Director. She became Vice President of Resource Development for United Way of Brevard in 1999. During her tenure, Brevard County’s Community Campaign boasted the fifth highest percentage growth of United Ways of its size across the nation, growing from $4.4 to $6.3 million.

Susan was a recipient of the LEAD Brevard “4 Under 40” leadership award in 2011, a previous Volunteer of the Year for Rockledge High School and a graduate of Leadership Gainesville, class of 1998. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Institute for Community Service Executives; is a past treasurer of the Trinity Lutheran School PTO and a past president of the American Advertising Federation – Space Coast.

Susan is a fifth generation Floridian, born in Tallahassee, who enjoys hiking, camping and experiencing the outdoors with her husband Dan. She is an honors graduate of the University of Florida, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.

Bio
Carl Stephens
Vice President, Operations

Carl Stephens joined the Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) team in 1998. BAC serves more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities each year through innovative services across its various programs. It is the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and the 27th largest AbilityOne producing agency in the national set-aside program providing contracted services to our federal government.
Carl has significant experience in contract negotiation, budgeting, inventory control, data management, supply chain management and project management. He began his BAC career as a purchasing manager/system administrator and held progressively more responsible roles within the department.

Today, as the Vice President of Operations, Carl is responsible for the overall management of the largest division of BAC. He leads its AbilityOne, state and commercial service contracts valued at more than $26 million, employing nearly 650 people, 400 of whom are employees with significant disabilities.

Carl holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Webster University. He is a certified laundry and linen manager and an active member of the ISSA Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, implementing their Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification at BAC. He is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending time on the water with his family and friends.

Bio
James Brown
Director, IT Services

James joined the leadership team at Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) in August 2024 as Director of IT Business Services and Contact Centers. BAC, serving over 4,000 individuals with disabilities annually, is the largest employer of people with disabilities in Brevard County and in the top 25 of AbilityOne producing agencies, delivering a wide range of contracted services to the federal government through the national set-aside program.

James brings extensive expertise in Government Contracting, Process Improvement, and IT services, including hardware, software, SaaS, and User Experience (UX). His strategic leadership in business growth within IT and Contact Center services is closely aligned with BAC’s mission of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and veterans. In his previous role as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, he achieved notable growth that earned recognition on the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list: No. 163 (2015), No. 305 (2016), and No. 2584 (2017).

James has held senior and executive leadership positions across transportation, healthcare, and SaaS industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Finance and Accounting from the University of Central Florida, along with certifications in ITIL 4, Agile, HDI, CompTIA, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He is also a 2013 graduate of LEAD Brevard.

Outside of his professional responsibilities at BAC, James is an active community member, serving on various boards, coaching youth soccer, or spending time near the ocean, pursuing his passion for surfing. He also enjoys cooking for his wife, Amy, and their two sons, Ethan and Ryan.

Kristen Cavanagh Facilities Safety Officer and Operations Director

Bio
Kristen Cavanagh, FSO

Facilities Safety Director, Operations

Kristen Cavanagh has been with BAC since 2013 and currently serves as the Operations Director and Facilities Safety Officer (FSO), overseeing operations across multiple federal contracts and BAC’s Industrial Security Program. She has a proven track record of leadership in Commissary and Custodial Operations, Contract Pricing, and technical support for BAC’s team of Operations Managers and Project Managers. Kristen manages four federal AbilityOne contracts, with over 150 reporting employees. In this capacity she is responsible for ensuring quality assurance, labor management, personnel matters, training, and hiring. Kristen is known for her dedication to process improvement and labor management optimization. With a focus on driving efficiency and fostering a supportive work environment, she has consistently championed projects that enhance both operational outcomes and employee success.

In her role, Kristen also oversees industrial security requirements, contract compliance, budgeting, assessing, and monitoring work methods and procedures, and driving continuous improvement. She plays a key role in customer relations, developing strategies to meet customer expectations and improve service delivery. Kristen is an active member of NCMS (previously national classification management society)– The Society of Industrial Security Professionals and the local Space Coast Chapter. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning is evident in her contributions to both BAC and the broader security community.

Kristen’s deep connection to BAC’s mission is shaped by her military family background. Her parents and three brothers served in the U.S. Navy and the US Army. Several close relatives live with service-related disabilities that have had a significant impact on their daily lives and their work experiences. This personal connection has driven Kristen’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities in the workplace, creating opportunities for success and professional growth.

Outside of work, Kristen enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Kenzie, and cat, Spencer. She is also an avid basketball fan and loves cheering on the Orlando Magic.

Crystal Fuller Director Production and Logistics

Bio
Crystal Fuller
Director, Production & Logistics

Crystal Fuller joined Team BAC in 2022. BAC serves more than 3,000 individuals with disabilities each year through innovative services across its various programs. It is the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and the 27th largest AbilityOne producing agency in the national set-aside program providing contracted services to our federal government.

She brings to BAC the leadership, project management, sales, analysis and customer service skills needed to support the activities of its 15,000 square foot Production Department which include assembly, 3PL, fulfillment, shipping and light manufacturing services for its federal, state and commercial customers.

Bio
Keri Goff
Director, Community Relations

Keri Goff is a dynamic project management and communications professional with expertise in driving strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals while fostering inclusive and empowered teams. As Director of Community Relations at BAC, Keri leads with a servant leadership approach, overseeing brand awareness, advertising, marketing, and philanthropic activities that impact the lives of more than 4,000 individuals with disabilities annually. Her leadership contributes to BAC’s role as the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in Brevard County and a top 25 leader in the National AbilityOne program, providing essential services to the federal government.

Keri brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and customer-centric execution to her work. Her commitment to core values—integrity, accountability, and optimism—guides her in delivering measurable results and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

A passionate community advocate, Keri has held leadership roles with various organizations, including serving as President of the American Advertising Federation Space Coast in 2021, a member of the Marketing Advisory Council and Social Media Task Force for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and as a board member for multiple nonprofit initiatives. She is a graduate of LEAD Brevard’s 2021 Leadership Brevard program, a former United Way Loaned Leader, and a two-time Rotarian of the Year for her dedication to service.

Keri’s commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving community is evident in her 15 years as a technical advisor and lead volunteer for the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival, which raises funds for local charities, including No Limits Academy. Her experiences honed her ability to manage cross-functional teams, coordinate complex projects, and deliver results under tight deadlines.

In her free time, Keri enjoys exploring nature through camping and kayaking with her husband, Kevin, and their two teenage children. She also nurtures her creativity through painting, photography, and sculpting. Keri approaches every project with a servant leadership mindset, believing in the power of collaboration, empathy, and shared success to achieve impactful outcomes.

Bio
Rich Hurtado, FMP

Director, Operations

As Operations Director, Hurtado brings nearly four decades of managerial experience, work process development and improvement, and leadership experience to oversee the operational needs of the BAC’s contracts.

Certified Facility Management Professional, International Facility Management Association
Serves as SME for all custodial contracts, providing support, guidance, and technical expertise to Operations Managers
Member of ISSA Education Committee, responsible for implementation of the Cleaning Management Institute training certification curriculum
Directs/manages 7 federal, state and commercial Custodial Contracts including three AbilityOne contracts.
- Directly supervises each custodial contract Project Manager (PM), assistant PM and oversees 200+ employees.
Responsible for quality control/assurance, all personnel matters, training, hiring, labor hours, contract compliance, budgeting, assessing/monitoring work methods/procedures, customer relations, and improvement opportunities.

About BAC

Our mission is to provide persons with disabilities innovative services and opportunities to achieve personal success.

Vision

We are dedicated to building communities that support members of all abilities in finding meaningful purpose and reaching their highest potential in life.

Values

Our values help bring our vision to life, drive our culture and frame our mission-centric business strategies.

Customer Centered

Our priority is people. The needs of our varied stakeholders come first, with each group being equally valued and considered in our decision making.

Growth

We actively embrace our own development, and encourage it in those around us, to better support and propel expansion of our mission impact. We seek creative solutions to challenges and encourage innovative approaches that help us work more effectively as a team and continuously improve as an organization.

Ownership

Each team member honors and upholds our personal role in meeting and exceeding our commitments to our stakeholders. We respectfully work together to provide excellent levels of service and support, and we help hold each other accountable to our mission and vision.

Integrity

We are defined by our strength of character. We set high standards and meet them, while adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, moral and ethical responsibility. We are worthy of the trust our stakeholders place in us.

Optimism

We serve with positive, motivated attitudes and celebrate successes with enthusiasm. We actively choose to be hopeful about the opportunities ahead of us. We seek to fully understand the actions and decisions of our teammates and seek clarification when necessary while assuming positive intentions.

Leadership & Board of Directors

Every day, BAC does more than provide employment and empowerment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. We help inspire dreams in thousands of people throughout the southeast US and beyond. The vision of our leadership team and board of directors is focused on the programs and initiatives that will build a community where people of all abilities can experience the pride that comes with being as independent, resourceful and self-reliant as possible. A vision that hopes to change lives for the better.

Amar Patel

President and Chief Executive Officer

Ryan Rogers

Cheif Financial Officer

Robert Gramolini

Vice President, Employment Transition Services

Josephine (Jo) Hughes

Vice President, Human Resources

Susan McGrath

Vice President, Business Development & Government Relations

Carl Stephens

Vice President, Operations

James Brown

Director, IT Services

Kristen Cavanagh, FSO

Facilities Safety Director, Operations

Crystal Fuller

Director, Production & Logistics

Keri Goff

Director, Community Relations

Rich Hurtado, FMP

Facilities Management Director, Operations

Officers

Patricia Tellechea, Chair

CEO & President
Gimex, USA

Julie Thompson, Vice Chair

Director of Operations
Lotane & Associates, P.A.

Jason Miller, Treasurer

Senior Relationship Manager
Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Diane E. Payne, Secretary

Community Volunteer

Don Weiss, Immediate Past Chair

Community Volunteer

Members

Ellen P. Brown

Project Manager
Aerodyne Industries (KSC)

Christopher Delaney

Vice President, Major Account Development
Acara Solutions

Peter S. Kamon

Director, Professional Development & Learning
Health First

Cindy S. Kane

Community Volunteer

Karen Ludeman

Community Volunteer

Trudy M. McCarthy

Sr. Director – Marketing & Strategic Initiatives
EDC of Florida’s Space Coast

D. Travis Proctor

President/CEO
Artemis, Inc.

Michael S. Rogero

Community Volunteer

History

The history and growth of Brevard Achievement Center is a story of opportunity for people with disabilities. As the District Director for Vocational Rehabilitation in 1967, Bill Cox was forced to drive across the state to use St. Petersburg facilities to evaluate, train and provide work experience for adults with disabilities from Brevard County. Cox diligently worked to illustrate the needs of people with disabilities and on February 8, 1968, Brevard County Community Achievement Center (BCCAC) was born. Led by Ammon G. Belleman, Jr., the local IBM general manager, BCCAC’s first Board created the following goals:

Build dignity and self-respect for persons with disabilities.
Make tax payers out of tax users.
Prevent institutionalization for many people.
Return to the community at least part of the cost of serving persons with disabilities by developing economically useful members of society to reduce dependence.

Donald Swickert, BCCAC’s first Executive Director, and a team of three staff members served seven clients in what became a permanent location at 1845 Cogswell Street in Rockledge, where Brevard Achievement Center (as it was renamed in 1975) still is headquartered today.

BAC Today

BAC has grown to a premier agency providing employment and empowerment programs designed to help more than 3,000 people with unique abilities annually achieve as much independence and personal success possible. Forging key corporate partnerships and working with the AbilityOne Program, the enterprise now offers employment opportunities to more than 600 people at federal contract sites across Florida, Puerto Rico, Virginia and North Carolina. BAC’s longstanding partnership with Brevard Public Schools allows BAC to reach out to students with disabilities to help them plan for the future.

The commitment of BAC’s founders, parents, dedicated staff employees and numerous volunteers has played a critical role in the formation of its quality programs and services offered. This legacy of service and commitment is instilled in the organization and is seen each day in the many ways BAC serves its participants, business partners, customers, and families….and ultimately its mission.

BAC FY23 990

Financials

BAC HOTLINE: (321)890-1825

Brevard Achievement Center has a hotline to report corruption, fraud, waster or abuse.

WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
Employee corruption involving bribery, embezzlement, espionage and smuggling.
Program fraud, financial crimes involving blackmail, contract fraud, grant fraud, immigration fraud and program theft; civil rights or civil liberties abuses involving deaths, denial of rights, profiling and use of force concerns;
Criminal and non-criminal misconduct involving abuse and violence, child pornography, unauthorized use of information technology systems, suspicious activity, ethics violations, and prohibited personnel practices such as Whistleblower retaliation.

WHAT SHOULD MY REPORT INCLUDE?
Give as much information as possible (i.e. the violation, names of alleges offenders, victims witnesses, and other evidence).

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
www.dodig.mil/hotline

The mission of the DoD Hotline is to provide a confidential, reliable means to report violations of law, rule, or regulation; fraud, waste, and abuse; mismanagement; trafficking in persons; serious security incidents; or other criminal or administrative misconduct that involve DoD personnel and operations, without fear of reprisal.
800-424-9098
E-mail: hotline@dodig.mil

Credentials and Certifications

Top Secret Security Clearance

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Brevard Achievement Center proudly holds the highest accreditation from CARF International, a nonprofit organization that offers accreditation services and support for health and human services programs. This accreditation shows that Brevard Achievement Center is committed to meeting international standards of quality.

Credentials

Custodial
LEEDS
Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS)
CIMS Green Building with Honors
Certified Laundry and Linen Management
International Executive Housekeepers Association
Food Operations: ServSafe
Building Services: Facility Management Professional
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1
Grounds Operations: Sports Turfgrass Maintenance

Memberships

Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
Area Chambers of Commerce
Military Affairs Council
Florida Public Relations Association
South Brevard Society of Human Resources Management
American Advertising Federation

Employment Opportunities

BioAmar PatelPresident and Chief Executive Officer

BioRyan RogersVice President, Administration & CFO

BioRobert GramoliniVice President, Employment Transition Services

BioJosephine (Jo) HughesVice President, Human Resources

BioSusan McGrathVice President, Business Development & Government Relations

BioCarl StephensVice President, Operations

BioJames BrownDirector, IT Services

BioKristen Cavanagh, FSO

Facilities Safety Director, Operations

BioCrystal FullerDirector, Production & Logistics

BioKeri GoffDirector, Community Relations

BioRich Hurtado, FMP

Director, Operations

About BAC

Vision

Values

Customer Centered

Growth

Ownership

Integrity

Optimism

Leadership & Board of Directors

Amar Patel

Ryan Rogers

Robert Gramolini

Josephine (Jo) Hughes

Susan McGrath

Carl Stephens

James Brown

Kristen Cavanagh, FSO

Crystal Fuller

Keri Goff

Rich Hurtado, FMP

Officers

Patricia Tellechea, Chair

Julie Thompson, Vice Chair

Jason Miller, Treasurer

Diane E. Payne, Secretary

Don Weiss, Immediate Past Chair

Members

Ellen P. Brown

Christopher Delaney

Peter S. Kamon

Cindy S. Kane

Karen Ludeman

Trudy M. McCarthy

D. Travis Proctor

Michael S. Rogero

History

BAC Today

BAC FY23 990

Financials

BAC HOTLINE: (321)890-1825

Credentials and Certifications

Credentials

Memberships

Bio
Amar Patel
President and Chief Executive Officer

Bio
Ryan Rogers
Vice President, Administration & CFO

Bio
Robert Gramolini
Vice President, Employment Transition Services

Bio
Josephine (Jo) Hughes
Vice President, Human Resources

Bio
Susan McGrath
Vice President, Business Development & Government Relations

Bio
Carl Stephens
Vice President, Operations

Bio
James Brown
Director, IT Services

Bio
Kristen Cavanagh, FSO

Bio
Crystal Fuller
Director, Production & Logistics

Bio
Keri Goff
Director, Community Relations

Bio
Rich Hurtado, FMP