Candidate: Ian M. Vincent

Ian Vincent After earning his Bachelor of Science in Resource Conservation and Management from the University of Kentucky in 1995, Ian relocated to Port Charlotte where he has established personal and professional roots in Charlotte County. He is the Operations Director for the Port Charlotte branch of W. Dexter Bender and Associates, Inc., an environmental and marine consulting firm, where he has worked for nearly a decade. In his lengthy record of community service, Ian\'s dedication and enthusiasm for education, youth and the environment have been at the forefront. He is a Take Stock in Children mentor and serves on the board of the Charlotte Local Education Foundation. He also coaches soccer. At the heart of his decision to run for Charlotte County Public Schools are the following principles: •Ian knows that quality public education helps shape a quality community •He is an effective leader who has successfully guided his company for a decade •He is dedicated to helping the district manage tough economic choices without sacrificing quality. Raised by a single mother, Ian learned valuable life lessons. He learned the tough reality of balancing a budget and living within your means. And he also learned that a good education will open doors, make opportunities possible and help people rise above their circumstances. As a product of the public school system, Ian realizes that the quality education he received was the foundation for his future success in college and his professional life. Not surprisingly, given his chosen vocation, Ian is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, hiking, fishing and travel. He has been married to Heather, a radiation therapist, for 13 years. They have two daughters, Emily (8) who is a voracious reader and enjoys spending time doing anything with friends and Anna (7) who enjoys everything that involves being outdoors – especially fishing. Ian believes it is important for the School Board to remain a non-partisan, elected body. For Ian, politics is no place for decisions that will affect the lives of students. He says, \"The most important aspect of any election is to have an educated constituency. I hope voters will carefully study the school board candidates and issues - the difference between the candidates will be clear.”