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Waves

About Me

Hello,

I am Fred J. Bennett

​

I am many things, but it wasn’t until late in life that I realized that I am a teacher.

​

In a visit to Cambridge England in 2008 I came across a quote carved in a small metal ruler

which now hangs on my work desk.  It inspired me to keep searching for my career identity, teacher.

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

George Eliot (pen name for Marian Cross)

​

On my 60th birthday I signed my first full-time teaching contract for middle school.  

I never again had to work because, even though it was the hardest job I had ever had, I loved it.   

​

Below are pieces of my resume, or CV as they call it in academia.  

I have had many wonderful experiences in a wide variety of different organizations.

​

I had the privilege of working for some great men and women, such as Howell, Penny, Bill. A, and Burt, to name a few.

But the best was Dr. Bill Heller, God rest his soul.  

The College of Education building on the USF St. Pete campus now bears his name.  

His CV was over a dozen pages,

About his days as a paratrooper, serving and working in government, and many years in higher education.

But no amount of paper can capture the man I had the great honor of knowing,

and how he affected my life, and the lives of so many.

Bill dedicated his life to helping others, especially those with special needs.  

How do you capture in a few words the excitement and courage he had jumping from an airplane in the

service of his country, or the impact his educational programs had on thousands of lives.  

 

How do you put a life on paper?  

 

I find it funny how I have tried to summarize my life in a few short pages.  

It falls so short of capturing the many different people I encountered,

during almost 70 years and more than 2 billion seconds of life.  

Think of your own life, and of those who were important to you on your journey.  

​

It is so important to remember that when you change one life, you change the world,

because the world happens to only one person at a time.  

Also, when you encounter another, no matter how successful or happy they appear to you,

everyone you meet has a resume, a CV and a life rich with experience, both good and bad.  

Everyone, every single person, has challenges and hardships, joys and aspirations,

and an inner life which cannot be expressed in words nor ever fully grasped by another.

Sunset

Education

I love learning. 

 The ability to grow in knowledge and wisdom as a community is central to the human experience. 

 Through knowledge we learn about the world around us.

 With wisdom, we understand the limits of our knowledge,

and that many things we learn in life cannot be put into words.

jjj

Formal Degrees

MA     Ethics and Philosophy. University of South Florida. Tampa, FL.                                                             2011
               Thesis: The Virtuoso Human: A Virtue Ethics Model Based on Care.

MBA   Finance and Management. Shippensburg University. Shippensburg, PA.                                             1979

                Thesis: Future of Solar Energy: Investment Opportunities in the Photovoltaic Solar Industry.

                     Held Finance Department Teaching Assistant Position.

BSBA  Finance and Accounting. Shippensburg University. Shippensburg, PA.                                                1978

                 Graduated cum laude.  Awarded Graduate Teaching Assistant Position.

AS       Accounting and Business Law, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA.                        1976

​​​


Online Teaching Certification                                                                                                                            2019
   University of South Florida and Quality Matters                                                                                            
Professional Teacher Certification Program                                                                                                     2018
       Diocese of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County School District.
       University of South Florida and St. Petersburg College         

    Earned Professional Educator Certification                 
       State of Florida Department of Education - Social Science and Business Education

Catechist Teacher Certification Program                                                                                                          2016
   Diocese of St. Petersburg.  Earned Catechist Teacher Certification 

Graduate Program, Continuing Education                                                                                                        2014
       Leadership. College of Education. University of South Florida.                          
 

Continuing Education

Sunset

Teaching

I came into fulltime teaching employment late in life. 

I taught as a volunteer while in my 30s,

started teaching as an adjunct at some of the colleges in the region while in my 40s,

and started full time teaching when I was in my 60s.

 

When introducing myself to my students,

I always asked some questions which challenged them to think creatively. 

For example, I would tell them that I was from a large family

and that my father never worked a day in his life. 

Then I would ask them if they could figure out how he supported us.

Of course, the answer, which is true, is that he loved what he did. 

My father worked very hard over his lifetime in two careers, and he loved each of them.

​

Teaching is my retirement career, that job I love. 

I am a teacher.    

​

Teaching

Substitute Teacher                                                                                                                                       2022-2024

     Diocese of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County School District                                                             

​Middle School Social Studies and Religion Teacher                                                                                    2016-2022

     Espiritu Santo Catholic School, Safety Harbor, FL                                                                                 

Middle School Technology and Careers Teacher                                                                                         2015-2016

     Safety Harbor Middle School, Safety Harbor, Pinellas County School District FL                                 

Adjunct Leadership Teacher                                                                                                                        2011-2022

     University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL                                                             

Adjunct Applied Ethics and Business and Professional Ethics Teacher                                                      2011-2013

     Honors College, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL                                                                       

Adjunct Business Teacher                                                                                                                            2012-2014

     Sykes College of Business, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL                                                               

Adjunct Applied Ethics and Business Teacher                                                                                             2005-2012

     College of Policy and Legal Studies, St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL                                   

University Employment Experience

Community Liaison - University of South Florida St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL                                    2012-2015

I had the great privilege of working at USFSP and the Pinellas County FL school system

on programs to help teachers and improve the local school system. 

 

Job Responsibilities

1. Develop and manage university engagement programs for students,

with a focus on high-need schools in the impoverished communities of St. Petersburg. 

2. Coordinate with faculty to tie student work to classroom learning outcomes,

creating relevant career experience for students. 

3. Organize and manage summer enrichment programs for elementary schools,

using USFSP students and Pinellas County school teachers. 

4. Develop partnerships with community organizations to enhance campus programs

and create relevant events. 

5. Teach leadership classes and seminars.

 

Programs Developed and Operated Were as Follows:

Cofounder and Manager.  Bridge to Success Summer Leadership and Science Camp.

Joint program between USFSP and the Pinellas County School District. 

1. Six week all day educational summer school and camp

for 4th and 5th grade students held on the USFSP campus. 

2. Hired and managed Staff including twelve USFSP College of Education students

and four Pinellas teachers. 

3. Program included class time, experiential learning and personal growth programming

for the elementary students and training for the in-service and pre-service teachers. 

4. Established partnerships for the program included USF Marine Science, FL Audubon,

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, City of St. Petersburg, Great Explorations, Pathfinders,

LivetheRhythm Music, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Cofounder and Organizer.  Joint USFSP/Elementary School Leadership Program.

Joint program between USFSP and the Pinellas County School District. 

Helped establish a 5th grade Leadership club at a partner elementary school,

with students in the club involved in school-based activities

and joint programs with students in USFSP Leadership classes. 

Developer and Organizer.  Enriched Field Trips.                                  

Developed enriched field trips for elementary schools in St. Petersburg. 

USFSP students hosted 4th and 5th grade students on themed campus visits

in conjunction with related activities (i.e. Study of the Holocaust, Holocaust Museum visit,

or USFSP campus Marine Science study and visit.)

Organizer.  Campus Clubs Civic Engagement Program.                   

Engaged several USFSP campus student clubs in volunteer work in high-need elementary schools.

Co-organizer.  STEM Expo Program.                                                     

Helped organize a joint STEM Expo with the Pinellas County School District, on USFSP campus.

Program Co-organizer.  African American Male Summit.                       

Helped organize a two-day program with the Pinellas County and Broward County School Districts,

on USFSP campus, addressing issues related to graduation rates and the achievement gap.

Organization Co-developer.  Student Green Energy Fund / Sustainability Program.

Helped build a student/faculty board to manage student funds for on campus sustainability projects

and assisted in developing an academic sustainability program.

Business Consultation

Professional Business Experience

Much of my career was spent in the business world. 

After earning an MBA in finance, I worked for one very large international corporation

and then several private companies.

 

While I did not have the same level of love as I had for teaching,

I really liked what I did. 

I worked in some great organizations.

 

In management, I got to be a part of the leadership of each organization,

and was always involved in helping organize

the collective ideas, thoughts and plans of the group.

 

We know that people are the most important part of any company.

We were great at marketing and meeting the needs of our customers.

We cared for our employees, suppliers and subcontractors.

We were a part of the communities we participated in.

We stood behind our products and services.

 

I loved the numbers, especially using statistics and probabilities to predict the future,

the need for balance in accounting,

the systems we would build to manage and track operations,

the trust required in money management,

the beauty and challenge of the legal system,

and helping people through the human resources departments.​

Over my 32-year business career, my primary role was Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with broad responsibilities

​  General Duties

  • Management, strategic planning, shareholder relations, financial administration and corporate operations.    

  • Finance, accounting, cash management, tax, budgeting.

  • Information technology, organizational governance and legal department.

  • International business, as well as a variety of startups, acquisitions, and business ventures. 

  Core Responsibilities

  • Corporate operations, strategic planning, financial management, accounting and reporting.

  • Risk management, insurance procurement and monitoring, and legal operations.

  • New business ventures, investments and acquisitions, new product analysis and business forecasting.

  • Communications; including public, investor, bank, employee, board, and shareholders relations.

  • Human resources administration; including benefits, incentive plans, and performance monitoring.

  • Office administration, data processing and facilities management.

​

​

​​  Lykes Bros. Inc., Tampa, FL                                                                                                                        2004-2012

Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Legal Dept. Manager

President of Lykes Land Investments and EcoAsset Solutions (Subsidiaries).

Lykes is 100+ year old conglomerate, involved in agriculture, insurance, manufacturing,

land development, environmental conservation management, utility operation,

water management, and consulting. 

I helped start and manage a sustainability management company, 

a land development operation and a water utility subsidiary.

  Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Inc., Clearwater, FL                                                                                          2003-2004

Vice President, Finance. Florida-based home building franchisor.

  Nohl Crest Homes Corporation, Oldsmar, FL                                                                                             1999-2003 

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations

Regional home building company. 

Helped started mortgage brokerage joint venture.

  Lansbrook Development Corp. / Pritzker Realty Group, Palm Harbor, FL                                                  1991-2000

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and Data Processing Manager

Residential and commercial land developer, golf club and restaurant. 

Helped start apartment construction and management company. 

  H.B. Alexander Enterprises, Inc.,  Harrisburg, PA                                                                                       1985-1991

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Director of Administration

General contractor and real estate development corporation. 

Started two subsidiary companies, a variety of joint ventures

and helped acquire two businesses.

  AMP, Inc.,  Harrisburg, PA 17105                                                                                                                1979-1985

Market Research and Business Analyst, Division Controller and Pricing Manager,

Fortune 500, $2 billion electronics firm.

Performed international & domestic market research, strategic planning,

financial & product analysis, modeling, forecasting, and simulation.

Managed pricing policies, accounting & personnel, & computer operations

of a $20 million importing and exporting division.​

The companies I worked for were as follows:

My work and business experience early in life

Graduate Assistant                                                                                                                                     1978-1979

College of Business, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA.                                                     

Short Order Cook, Night Shift Assistant Manager                                                                                      1978-1979

Howard Johnson, Chambersburg, PA.                                                                                                   

Commissary Laborer                                                                                                                                       1977

US Department of Defense, New Cumberland, Army Depot, New Cumberland, PA.                                

Page Boy                                                                                                                                                         1976

Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Harrisburg, PA.                                                                           

Warehouse Laborer                                                                                                                                         1976

US Department of Defense, New Cumberland, Army Depot New Cumberland, PA.                                  

Apartment Maintenance Laborer                                                                                                                     1975

Preble Arms Apartments, Lemoyne, PA.         

Turkey Farm Laborer                                                                                                                                   1975-1978

Konhaus Farms, Mechanicsburg, PA.                   

General Laborer                                                                                                                                              1975

Manpower Inc. Harrisburg Farm Show, Harrisburg PA.              

Golf Team Coach                                                                                                                                             1974   

Trinity High School. Shiremanstown, PA.                         

Pipe Grinder                                                                                                                                                    1974

Shaw Pipe, Bethlehem Steel Plant, Steelton, PA.                   

Football and Basketball Official                                                                                                                   1973-1985

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Central Pennsylvania.                                                                    

Painting Contractor                                                                                                                                      1973-1978

Self-Employed, Cumberland County, PA.               

Busboy, Short Order Cook                                                                                                                           1971-1974

Howard Johnson, Camp Hill, PA.                 

Busboy                                                                                                                                                         1970-1971

Village Inn, Camp Hill PA.                                                        

Landscape Management Operation                                                                                                            1967-1973

Self-employed, Cumberland County, PA.  

Newspaper Delivery Franchise (paperboy)                                                                                                 1965-1969

Harrisburg Patriot News, New Cumberland PA.  

Hearts

Community and Leadership Activities

I had the opportunity to join a number of teams in the different communities where I lived,

the schools and universities where I worked, and as part of the businesses where I was employes.

Education, Youth, and Sports

  • Espiritu Santo Catholic School                                                                                                                            2019-2022

    • National Junior Honor Society Program Coordinator.                         

    • Golf Coach.

    • Student Environmental Action Team Advisor.                                                                   

    • School Advisory Council Teacher Representative.

    • Espiritu Santo School Boys and Girls Soccer Coach.

    • National Geographic Geography Bee School Coordinator.

    • Finance Park and Junior Achievement Middle School Coordinator.

    • After School Religion Teacher.

    • Enterprise Village 5th Grade School Coordinator.                                                                                                            

  • Bishop Center for Ethical Leadership, USF St. Petersburg.  Assistant in Sustainability Program.                       2012-2014

  • University of Tampa Center for Ethics Advisory Board. Board Member. Chairperson (2008-2010)                     2006-2011

  • St. Petersburg College Applied Ethics Center Advisory Board. Cofounder and Chairperson,                             2005-2008

  • Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Pinellas (A "big" with a “little”).                                                                                2001-2006

  • Tarpon Springs Youth Soccer League Coach.                                                                                                     1997-1999

  • Upper Pinellas Youth Soccer League Coach and Board Member.                                                                      1993-1996

  • Palm Harbor Youth Soccer League Coach.                                                                                                         1992-1993

  • East Lake High School, Math Academic Tutor.                                                                                                    1992-1997

  • East Lake Little League Baseball Coach.                                                                                                            1992-1995

  • Cub Scouts of America, Den Leader and Pack Treasurer.                                                                                  1987-1990

  • St. Joseph School, Adjunct 4th grade religion teacher.                                                                                       1986-1990

  • Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Baseball Umpire.                                                       1975-1976

  • PIAA High School Golf Coach.                                                                                                                            1973-1974

  • PIAA Football Official       .                                                                                                                                   1973-1985

  • PIAA Basketball Official.                                                                                                                                      1973-1982

  • Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Basketball Coach.                                                                                        1972-1973

Business / Environmental / Governmental

  • Audubon of Florida.  Board Member                                                                                                                   2006-2009

  • Florida Workers Compensation Joint Underwriting Association. Member Board of Governors                          2006-2009

  • Florida Research Consortium (University Business Cultivation). Member                                                          2006-2007

  • Florida Earth Foundation.  Board Member                                                                                                          2005-2006

  • Chamber of Commerce Harrisburg. Leadership Program Member.                                                                    1987-1988

Community Social Support Programs

  • Beth Waters Friendship Fund. Cofounder and Chairperson                                                                                2007-2018

    • Supported the Spring of Tampa Bay, Athena & Faces of Courage.                                

  • Faces of Courage (Cancer support group).  Board Member                                                                               2007-2008

  • United Way of Pennsylvania, Fund Allocations Committee, Corporate Campaign Chair.                                   1988-1989

  • Parents Anonymous of Central PA, (Child abuse prevention agency). Board Member & Treasurer                    1986-1988

  • Tri-County Commission for Community Housing, (Low income housing). Board & Finance Committee             1986-1989

  • Greater Harrisburg Foundation, Finance Committee.                                                                                          1986-1987

Educational Programs, Lectures, and Publications 

Educational Programs

  University of Tampa.  Sykes Center for Ethics Board                                                                                               2006-2010  

  • Sustainable Business Program.  Cofounder and Organizer. 

    • Joint program between Sykes College of Business and Florida Earth Charter

      • leading to an MBA Sustainability Class and Business Awards Program.

  • Making a Code of Ethics the Corner Stone of Your Business.  Moderator and Organizer of lecture series.

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  St. Petersburg College.   Ethics Center Advisory Board                                                                                          2005-2008.

  • Creating a Common Culture of Ethics in Your Organization.  Co-creator, Instructor

    • Joint program between the Applied Ethics Institute and SPC Corporate Training Center.

  • Character Based Student Leadership Academy.  Organizer, Instructor and Coauthor                             

    • Joint ethics education program between SPC Applied Ethics Institute and Pinellas County Schools.

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  University of South Florida                                                                                                                                       2006-2007  

  • Sustainable Business, Agricultural & Development Operations Program.  Organizer and Facilitator.                                    

    •  Program Developed as an Executive at Lykes Bros. 

    • Joint program between USF College of Business MBA Sustainability Classes

      • and College of Arts and Science Graduate Environmental Science Classes

        • as part of starting the USF Global Sustainability Program

 

Lectures and Professional Presentations

  • Corporate Diversity Initiatives, U.S. Law Firm Group – Diversity Committee, Panel Member.                               2011

  •  Turning Down the Global Thermostat: Innovation in Climate and Energy Technologies                                       2010

    • New College of Florida New Topics New College Series, Presentation & Panel Discussion.                                          

  • Green Business Models, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB),                               2010

    • International Deans Conference.  Presentation and Panel Discussion.                 

  • Sustainability: Community Leaders Panel, University of South Florida                                                                  2010

    • Dedication of the School of Global Sustainability, Panel Discussion.                                          

  • People, Planet & Profit: Lessons from Sustainable Business, Presenter                                                               2009   

    • Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.                                                  

  • Going Green without Going Red, Florida Tax Watch Board of Trustees Annual Meeting                                       2009

    • Presentation & Panel Discussion.                                                                                                                

  • Triple Bottom Line/Business Ethics & Sustainability, University of Tampa; Lecture                                                2009

    • Brazilian MBA Class Exchange Program.                                                   

  • Room to Breath: Open space, Public Space and Tampa Bay Regional Development                                           2008

    • Patel Center for Global Solutions and USF; Presentation and Panel Discussion

  • Getting and Keeping that Job, National Business Education Association.  Panelist.                                             2008

  • Sustainable Business Operations and Development, University of South Florida; Lecture                                   2007

    • Combined MBA Sustainability and Graduate Environmental Science Classes. 

  • Triple Bottom Line: Corporate Decisions on People, Planet & Profit, Presenter                                                     2007

    • National Association of Corporate Directors.                                                     

  • Foundations for Business Ethics, University of Tampa,                                                                                      2006-2008

    • Incoming Freshman Class Orientation.  Presentation and MBA Guest Lectures.               

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Publications

  • Carbon Capture and Sequestration Study of Florida Board of Trustees’ Lands.  Contributing Author.            July 2, 2009

    • University of South FL, EcoAsset Solutions, LLC and Land and Timber Services Group.​ 

  • Character Based Student Leadership Academy, Facilitators Workbook.   Coauthor.                             November 1, 2008

    • St. Petersburg College, Pinellas County School District.

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