Lake Technical Proudly Announces Their Executive Director College Appointed to Second Term on National Accreditation Commission

Eustis, FL: Lake Technical College is proud to announce that Executive Director DeAnna Thomas has been 
nominated and appointed to serve a second term on the Commission of the Council on Occupational 
Education (COE). The appointment was affirmed during the COE Annual Meeting on November 13.
The COE Commission is a nationally recognized accrediting authority responsible for ensuring quality, integrity, 
and continuous improvement across career and technical education institutions in the United States. 
Commissioners are selected based on professional expertise, leadership experience, and demonstrated 
commitment to excellence in workforce training. Thomas’ reappointment is a significant acknowledgment of 
her leadership not only at Lake Tech, but within the broader field of workforce education. Her work has 
helped shape statewide and national conversations on high-quality technical training, student success 
pathways, and partnerships that fuel economic growth.
Under Thomas’ leadership, Lake Technical College has become a premier model for workforce development—
strengthening programs in various critical sectors. Her strategic approach focuses on building strong industry 
partnerships, expanding training capacity, and ensuring programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of 
Central Florida’s employers. 
“DeAnna’s reappointment reflects the respect she has earned across the country for her leadership in career 
and technical education and workforce development,” said Richard Keith, Chair of the Lake Technical College 
Board of Directors. “Her vision and tenacity have elevated Lake Tech to new heights, and this continued 
service on the COE Commission only deepens the positive impact she brings to our community.”
Her role on the COE Commission allows her to bring this hands-on expertise to the national stage. At the same 
time, it gives Lake Tech a direct voice in the accreditation and quality standards that shape technical colleges 
across the country. “It is an honor to continue serving on the COE Commission,” said Thomas. “This work 
directly supports the mission of ensuring high-quality workforce education nationwide, and it strengthens the 
standards that guide our programs at Lake Tech. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute at a national 
level while continuing to champion the students, employers, and communities we serve here at home.”
Thomas will continue to support COE’s mission of maintaining rigorous standards for career-focused 
institutions while advancing Lake Tech’s vision of preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers.

Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical 
programs, as well as adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of 
Public Safety is located at 1565 Lane Park Cutoff, Tavares. Visit the website www.laketech.org, or call (352) 589-2250 for more 
information.
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