Florida ARF Staff

Suzanne Sewell
President & CEO

Suzanne is the President & CEO of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (Florida ARF) and has been with the Association for six years.  She graduated from Murray State University in Murray, KY., with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work.  She began her social services career in Memphis, TN, in the early 1970’s and transferred to the State of Florida shortly thereafter. 

Suzanne has 30+ years of social services experience, primarily in the areas of social service program management for programs serving the aged, adults with disabilities, adult protective services, and children’s services.  She was employed by the State of Florida Health and Rehabilitative Services, now known as the Department of Children and Families, for 17 years.  For approximately 13 years she was self-employed as a social services program consultant to the Florida Departments of Elder Affairs, Juvenile Justice, and Children and Families. 

From 2000-2003, she worked in the Department of Children & Families’ Office of Inspector General supervising the Department’s operational responses to allegations of wrongdoing by staff and contract providers.  In 2003, she began her professional career at the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (Florida ARF).

Prior to being appointed President & CEO in January 2009, Suzanne’s responsibilities at the Association included supervision of membership services and coordination of the Association’s Government Relations campaign.  She served as liaison with the State’s Agency for Health Care Administration, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and other agencies and organizations involved with delivery of services to individuals with disabilities.  Within this capacity, she frequently provided technical assistance to members regarding Medicaid and Developmental Disabilities program policy issues.
 
Since 2000, Suzanne has served as the Association’s spokesperson at many public hearings and has advocated for public policy change to improve services and supports for individuals with severe disabilities, and she has worked to improve state government responsiveness to the needs of community agencies serving individuals with disabilities. 

You may contact Suzanne at 850-877-4816 (#123).

Scott Gaedtke
Executive Director, RESPECT of Florida

Scott Gaedtke began his employment in late December 2005.  Scott comes to us with more than 13 years of professional experience within community agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities.  His primary focus has been development of employment options for individuals with disabilities.  He also brings more than 25 years total management and sales experience along with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Scott is well-known within the Florida ARF provider community and is ideally suited for the Executive Director position. He believes strongly in the mission of RESPECT of Florida and has said: “The Respect of Florida program has been a special interest of mine for more than 13 years. The program’s mission of providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities is one that I share as a personal career objective. As a member of the RESPECT Oversight Committee, I have a strong understanding of the challenges the program faces as well as the great potential it holds.” Scott views RESPECT as a critical component of the State’s network of services for people with disabilities and is dedicated to ensuring its success.

As the Executive Director of RESPECT of Florida, Scott ensures the RESPECT employment centers are producing quality products and services and that governmental agencies access RESPECT generated services and products. Scott is committed to the development of strong relationships between community and government entities.
 
Scott may be reached at 850-877-4816 (#121).

Courtney Swilley
Member Services Manager

Courtney Swilley is the Member Services Manager at Florida ARF.  She graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family & Child Sciences and a minor in Child Life.  She began her career in the disabilities field in 1995.   She brings to the Association over 10 years of social services experience, primarily in the area of adults with disabilities.  She was employed by The Arc of Florida for 9 years, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council for 2 years, and the Florida Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities for 2 years which is now a part of The Able Trust.

Courtney’s responsibilities at the Association include serving as a staff liaison for the Florida ARF Issues Forums (Infants, Children & Youth; Community Supports; ICF/DD; Employment; Legal Advocacy; and Government Relations).  She manages and coordinates Florida ARF meetings, trainings, and conferences.  Courtney also manages production of our monthly newsletter and legislative communications, assists with member support functions including member recruitment, and serves as the Florida Association for Direct Services Professionals liaison.

You may contact Courtney at 850-877-4816 (#114).

John Bruntlett
Director of Operations

John Bruntlett is the Director of Operations for Florida ARF.  He graduated from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and from Troy State University in Montgomery, AL with a Master of Science degree in Personnel Management.  Upon graduation from Mississippi College he was commissioned an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served in a variety of command and staff positions for the next 21 years before retiring in 1991.  John brings over 14 years experience in the human resources management field. 

His responsibilities at Florida ARF include human resources, supervision of the Accounting and Information Technology Departments, facilities management, contract management, matters pertaining to the Board of Directors, and the business operations of the Association.  Additionally, he assists with meeting planning and the conduct of the Association’s quarterly meetings.

You may contact John at 850-877-4816, (#142).

Jennifer Upton
Chief Financial Officer

Jennifer Upton is the Association's Chief Financial Officer, which plans, develops and administers the financial affairs of the association.  Areas of responsibility include budgeting, financial forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, business support services and financial compliance.  She is a CPA with over twenty years of experience in public accounting and private industry.

You may contact Jennifer at 850.877.4816 (#111).

Erin Albertson
Information Systems Administrator

Erin Albertson operates as the IT/Network Administrator for Florida ARF and RESPECT of Florida.  Erin graduated from Florida State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.  Since her arrival into our organization, she has made tremendous progress with website applications as well as in-house hardware upgrades.

Erin is primarily responsible for all our office equipment, software programs, website applications, and member communications.  Erin also provides technical assistance to staff as well as Florida ARF members when they need it.

You may contact Erin at 850-877-4816 (#143).