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Florida's Civil Rights Program

The Title VII Civil Rights Program in Florida

Civil Rights Advisory Committee (CRC)

Mission/Vision Statement

To assist the State Conservationist in facilitating fair and equitable treatment of USDA customers and employees in Florida by identifying emerging issues, (recommending solutions/making suggestions), and providing NRCS employees with guidance/support to assist in/ensure the delivery of Civil Rights programs and activities.

Civil Rights Advisory Committee Authorization

The Civil Rights Advisory Committee (CRC) in Florida implements the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and prohibited discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Executive Order 11478 stated that Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is an integral part of every aspect of the Federal Government's personnel policy. The Civil Rights Advisory Committee also has certain responsibilities under Title VI - Program Delivery.

Current Florida Committee Goals

The Civil Rights Advisory Committee's purpose is to assist the State Conservationist in the development and operation of the civil rights program in Florida. The Committee identifies emerging issues and solicits suggestions from personnel on all phases of the program. Based on those issues and suggestions, the Committee recommends appropriate policies and procedures to the State Conservationist each quarter.

There are 13 representatives on the Committee, including all Special Emphasis Program Managers. Members are active in field office reviews, area meetings, training and discussion groups. In addition, members submit civil rights program articles to the Natural Resources Conservation Service newsletter.

Committee Members

Donna Hopwood, Chairperson
Alan Hedding, Disability Emphasis Program Manager
Jason Bird, Native American Program Manager
Donna Tighe, Asian Pacific American Program Manager
Karyn Ruiz-Toro, Hispanic Employment Program Manager
Kay Nickel, Federal Women's Program Manager
Kesha Martin, Black Emphasis Program Manager
Bernie Campbell, Veterans' Employment Program Manager
Sara May, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Program Manager
Zakia Williams, State Office Representative
Cindy C. Jordan, Area 1 Representative
Cathi Ellis, Area 2 Representative
Vernon Abney, Area 3 Representative
Carlos Torres, Area 4 Representative

Bruce Hawkins, Advisor

Contact any of the Civil Rights Advisory Committee members to share your ideas, concerns and /or suggestions. We are your Civil Rights Advisory Committee and we want to hear from you !

Civil Rights Advisory Committee Facts

What the Committee Does Do: What the Committee Does Not Do:
Serves as an advisory body to the NRCS Deputy Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (DEOO). The STC is the DEOO for NRCS in Florida. It does not assume the role of the DEOO.
Makes recommendations to the DEOO regarding policies, practices, and procedures as they affect equal opportunity and civil rights. It does not establish Equal Opportunity policies, programs, or procedures.
Identifies emerging Equal Opportunity Program areas needing the DEOO's attention. It does not involve itself in specific cases of the EEO Complaint Process or the Grievance System.
Assists the DEOO in the development of an Affirmative Employment Program and Outreach Plan for Florida. It does not serve as a rubber stamp for existing personnel procedures and systems.
Provides assistance to the DEOO in assessing the progress being made on action items in the Affirmative Employment Program.  
Serves as a sounding board to concerns and problems presented by NRCS employees.  
Makes recommendations to the DEOO regarding ways to address employee concerns and problems.  
Provides information to NRCS personnel about the Equal Opportunity Program, Affirmative Employment Program action items and work being done by the Committee.  
Directs employees needing Equal Opportunity information or assistance to the proper official.  

For additional information on Florida's Special Emphasis Program, visit the following:

Florida Program Contact

Donna Hopwood, Chairperson, Civil Rights Committee, 352-376-7414

Last Modified 11/09/2011

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