Executive Council
Eastern Florida State College's Executive Council advises the President on matters related to collegewide operations, including the development of policies and procedures, strategic planning and accountability, fiscal and academic matters, personnel and human resources, facility and space allocations and other administrative actions as designated by the President. View the EFSC Organizational Chart for more details on the college leadership structure.
Dr. Phil Simpson, Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs
Laura Maxwell, Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer
Jack Parker, Vice President, External Affairs
Dr. Phil Simpson
Dr. Philip Lockwood Simpson is the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs
and Chief Academic Officer at Eastern Florida State College, where he provides strategic
leadership for academic programs, student services, online learning, and institutional
initiatives that support student success. Over more than two decades at EFSC, he has
served in progressively senior academic and administrative roles—including Provost
of the Titusville Campus and Eastern Florida Online, Dean of Arts and Social & Behavioral
Sciences, and Associate Provost—guiding major collegewide efforts in curriculum reform,
accreditation, strategic planning, developmental education, and online learning innovation.
A scholar of American literature, Dr. Simpson earned his Ph.D. in English from Southern
Illinois University with concentrations in twentieth century American literature and
cinema theory. A dedicated educator, he is a tenured Professor of Communications and
Humanities and has taught a wide range of courses in literature, writing, film, philosophy,
and humanities at the undergraduate and honors levels.
Dr. Simpson is deeply engaged in statewide academic leadership, serving on the Council
of Instructional Affairs and holding key roles within the Florida Virtual Campus,
including service on Distance Learning and Student Services committees and multiple
Invitation to Negotiate review teams. His long-standing contributions reflect a commitment
to expanding access, improving quality, and strengthening pathways for Florida’s students.
An active community leader, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Jess Parrish
Hospital Foundation Board and has held leadership roles with the Titusville Area Chamber
of Commerce, Sunrise Rotary Club, and numerous local civic organizations. His career
reflects a sustained dedication to academic excellence, community partnership, and
student-centered leadership.
Laura Maxwell
Laura Maxwell, MBA, is an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience
leading financial and operational functions across higher education, military institutions,
and independent boarding schools. She currently serves as Vice President of Operations
and Chief Financial Officer at Eastern Florida State College, where she oversees a
comprehensive portfolio including finance, accounting, purchasing, facilities, information
technology, and financial aid. In this role, she directs institution wide financial
planning, budgeting, forecasting, and investment management, ensuring the College
maintains strong fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and long term operational
sustainability.
Before joining EFSC, Maxwell served as Chief Financial Officer at Riverside Military
Academy, where she managed all financial and operational services for the academy’s
campus, supervising an annual budget of approximately $20 million and overseeing bonds
exceeding $45 million. She implemented the institution’s first strategic five year
resource model and capital plan, achieving significant cost savings while improving
service quality and infrastructure planning.
Maxwell previously held senior leadership roles at Georgia Gwinnett College, including
Vice President of Business and Finance and Controller. She guided budgeting, human
resources, auxiliary services, facilities, police, athletics, and educational technology
for one of the fastest growing colleges in the University System of Georgia, directing
more than $167 million annually and securing over $44 million in funding for major
capital projects.
Her earlier career includes nearly two decades at the United States Military Academy
at West Point, where she served as Assistant Dean for Resources and Senior Associate
Athletic Director/CFO for Army Athletics.
Maxwell holds an MBA and a B.S. in Business Management from SUNY Empire State College.
She is also active in national higher education and human resources professional organizations
and contributes her leadership to multiple volunteer and community initiatives.
Jack Parker
J.R. “Jack” Parker is a seasoned public safety and higher education leader with a
distinguished career spanning law enforcement, emergency services, county administration,
and executive leadership in Florida’s college system. With extensive experience serving
the citizens of Brevard County, he has built a professional legacy defined by integrity,
accountability, and a steadfast commitment to community service.
Mr. Parker began his career in public safety holding multiple certifications, including
Florida Law Enforcement Officer, Corrections Officer, and Fire Fighter. Over the course
of his tenure with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, he advanced through roles
of increasing responsibility—serving as Corrections Officer, Sergeant, and Major;
Support Services Major; North & East Precinct Patrol and Investigations Major; and
ultimately Jail Commander. His leadership and proven operational expertise led to
his election as Sheriff of Brevard County, where he served two terms and oversaw countywide
law enforcement, public safety initiatives, and critical community partnerships.
Beyond law enforcement, Mr. Parker continued his public service as Brevard County
Public Safety Director for the Board of County Commissioners, supervising countywide
emergency response and safety operations. He later transitioned to higher education,
joining Eastern Florida State College as Associate Vice President and subsequently
Vice President, where he helped guide institutional operations and workforce aligned
initiatives supporting regional needs.
Mr. Parker holds an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College, a
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida,
and a Master of Public Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology. His
career reflects a lifelong dedication to leadership, service, and the well being of
the community he is proud to call home.