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.
