August 28, 2024 – Santa Fe College Trustee Caridad “Carrie” E. Lee has been recognized by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) as the 2024 Trustee Leadership Award winner for the southern region. Trustee Lee is one of five finalists for the 2024 M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award, which will be announced this fall.
ACCT’s Regional Awards recognize the tremendous contributions made by community colleges and their leaders to meet the needs of their communities. ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing elected and appointed trustees in the U.S. and beyond.
“Trustee Lee’s commitment to Santa Fe College and our students is reflected in everything she does,” said SF President Paul Broadie II, Ph.D. “She is a champion and advocate for the needs of our institution locally, regionally and nationally, and she is unwavering in her dedication to ensure our students are supported and successful. We are a richer and more robust college and community because of her dedication, and she is certainly worthy and deserving of this ACCT honor.”
Trustee Lee has served on the District Board of Trustees since 2012 and was Board Chair from 2015-2017.Additionally, she is the current of the President of the SF Foundation.
“Community colleges serve countless needs throughout the country, from traditional higher education to workforce development, professional certifications, and much more,” said ACCT Chair and Hawkeye Community College Trustee Jay Nardini. “The individuals and institutions selected to receive this important recognition are deeply committed to their communities and regions. They work every day to change lives for the better.”
Trustee Lee is a businesswoman, community leader, and former teacher. She is Vice President of Florida Woodland Inc., a development company that specializes in owner-financed land sales, and President of Florida Blue Farms, a family-owned and operated commercial blueberry farm in Waldo, Florida.
“Countless unheralded heroes work tirelessly at ACCT’s member colleges,” said ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee. “We are proud to shine a spotlight on some of the nation’s most outstanding public servants and professionals through our regional awards program.”
Trustee Lee will be joined by Board Vice Chair Robert Woody and President Paul Broadie II at ACCT’s Leadership Congress October 21-26 in Seattle.