Florence Tate is a distinguished Executive Director with over 50 years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit organization management, specializing in higher education, accreditation, and leadership development. With a profound background in educational technology, instructional design, and career development, Florence has demonstrated exceptional skill in guiding educational institutions and private companies through regulatory and operational challenges.
Currently, Florence serves as the Principal CEO of FTOCinc.org, a role she has held since September 2018. In this capacity, she provides invaluable consulting services to corporate boards of higher education, managing institutions with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million. Her expertise is sought after for developing executive leadership across all functional areas of operation. Recently, Florence has undertaken a significant project as the Project Director for the Lumina Foundation’s The QA Commons, overseeing a critical initiative involving nine public universities and community colleges in Connecticut. Additionally, she contributes her knowledge as an Accreditation Expert for Maynard, Cooper & Gayle and also Thompson Coburn.
Prior to her current role, Florence served as the Executive Director of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) from November 2014 to July 2018. During her tenure, she was responsible for the effective oversight of ABHES’s policies, initiatives, and operations, and acted as a key liaison to state regulators, credentialing agencies, and the U.S. Department of Education. Her leadership ensured the organization’s continued recognition and efficacy in the accreditation field.
Florence’s career includes significant contributions as the President of SWAT Educational Services from January 2011 to December 2015, where she provided consultancy services for institutions seeking regulatory assistance for state licenses and national or relational accreditation. Her role extended to serving as an expert witness and advisor to venture capitalists. Additionally, she served as President of Potomac College from 1999 to 2009, where she further honed her leadership and management skills.
Florence holds a degree from Notre Dame College, with a focus on Business and a minor in Education. Her extensive skill set is endorsed by numerous professionals in the field, reflecting her expertise in staff development, higher education, admissions, public speaking, leadership development, and accreditation. Her contributions to the field are marked by her commitment to advancing educational standards and fostering leadership excellence.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Florence is an active participant on various boards, including the Education Principal Foundations and Sumner College. She has also served on accreditation boards such as ACCET, ABHES and CECU demonstrating her broad influence and dedication to educational quality.
Florence Tate’s mission is guided by the principle that “Life is better with Honesty, Integrity, and Truth.” Her career is a testament to these values, and her ongoing commitment to education and leadership continues to drive positive change in the academic and regulatory landscapes.
Character: Florence Tate is known for her unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and truth, which form the cornerstone of her professional approach. Her strong ethical foundation fosters trust and respect in every role she undertakes.
Knowledge: With over 50 years in higher education and accreditation, Florence possesses deep expertise in educational technology, instructional design, and career development. Her extensive experience allows her to effectively navigate and address complex challenges within the educational sector as well as the private sector.
Strategic: Florence excels in developing and implementing strategic solutions for educational institutions, guiding them through regulatory processes and leadership development. Her strategic vision ensures that organizations achieve long-term success and operational excellence.
Communication: Known for her clear and impactful communication, Florence effectively conveys complex concepts to diverse audiences. Her ability to articulate vision and strategy enhances collaboration and drives positive outcomes in her consulting and leadership roles.
