EFSC Names Dr. Mark Rendell Vice President of Workforce Education

Eastern Florida State College has appointed longtime education leader and current Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell as its new Vice President of Workforce Education, bringing more than three decades of educational leadership experience to one of the College's most strategically important areas.

In this newly expanded leadership role, Rendell will oversee EFSC's workforce and career education initiatives, strengthening partnerships with business and industry while advancing programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers across the Space Coast and beyond.

"Dr. Rendell has dedicated his career to improving educational opportunities for students throughout Brevard County," said EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey. "His reputation as a collaborative leader, innovator and passionate advocate for student success is well-established. During his tenure leading Brevard Public Schools, he helped expand career and technical education opportunities that have prepared thousands of students for high-demand careers and industry certifications. As workforce needs throughout our region continue to evolve, his experience building partnerships and developing talent pipelines will be invaluable. Together, we will take our workforce development efforts to the next level, expanding opportunities that connect students to meaningful careers while helping local businesses access the skilled workforce they need to succeed."

Rendell brings extensive workforce education experience to EFSC. Brevard Public Schools currently offers 49 Career and Technical Education programs tied to 83 industry certifications, with students earning more than 5,000 industry certifications annually in fields ranging from manufacturing, construction trades and healthcare to aerospace and engineering technologies. Under Rendell's leadership, the district earned distinction as a Space Academy District, with 14 high schools designated for programs that prepare graduates with the technical skills needed for immediate employment in the aerospace industry.

Since becoming president nearly 15 years ago, Richey has championed the expansion of workforce and career education opportunities across the College, helping position EFSC as a leading provider of career and technical education in Florida. Today, EFSC offers a wide range of workforce-focused degree and certificate programs that provide pathways to employment in many of the region's fastest-growing industries.

National workforce studies continue to show that most jobs require education or training beyond high school, but not necessarily a traditional four-year degree. Through its career and technical programs, the College provides students with the skills, credentials and hands-on experience needed to enter the workforce quickly and successfully while helping employers meet evolving workforce demands.

Workforce development serves as a critical bridge between education and employment by aligning training opportunities with the needs of local industry. By connecting individuals with in-demand skills and career pathways, workforce education strengthens local economies and creates opportunities for lifelong economic mobility.

"I am humbled and honored with the opportunity to join Eastern Florida State College in this role," said Rendell. "We are at a critical moment in workforce development here in Brevard County and we need to seize the opportunity.

The aerospace industry is growing rapidly and the demand for skilled workers is great. The Space Coast Workforce Intelligence Report projected a demand for approximately 7,100 skilled workers over the next three years. While aerospace is one of the primary drivers of this growth, a wide range of advanced manufacturing and technology industries are also expanding throughout our community.
Eastern Florida State College has many of the programs already in place to help meet these needs. We must continue expanding the capacity of existing programs while working closely with industry partners to develop new workforce pathways. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Richey for his faith and trust in me to be a part of the work going forward at EFSC."

Rendell has spent most of his professional career serving students and families in Brevard County. During more than 30 years in education, he has served as a classroom teacher, principal, district administrator and superintendent.

His career in Brevard Public Schools includes service as a teacher at Satellite High School; assistant principal at Melbourne High School, Eau Gallie High School and Cocoa High School; and principal at Titusville High School and Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School.

Throughout his leadership tenure, Rendell championed the expansion of career and technical education opportunities with a particular focus on supporting the Space Coast's growing aerospace workforce needs. Under his direction, Brevard Public Schools launched the Space Mechatronics program at Titusville High School and the Astronautics and Flight Exploration program at Merritt Island High School. The district is also expanding its highly successful Aviation Assembly and Fabrication program, currently offered at Eau Gallie High School, to Space Coast Junior-Senior High School beginning in 2027.

Rendell earned a bachelor's degree in political science from James Madison University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. He attended James Madison University on a U.S. Army ROTC scholarship and later served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 2018, he received the Ronald E. Carrier Alumni Achievement Award, the highest distinction awarded to a graduate of James Madison University.

“Brevard County is entering an exciting new era of economic opportunity, driven by the rapid expansion of the commercial space industry. This growth presents an extraordinary opportunity for Eastern Florida State College to become the nation’s premier institution for hands-on, career-focused education and workforce training,” said State Senator Debbie Mayfield. “I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Mark Rendell during his tenure as Superintendent of Schools in both Brevard and Indian River counties. He has been an exceptional leader, expanding career and technical education opportunities and strengthening the connection between our public schools and the workforce needs of local employers. His leadership has helped equip students with the practical skills and training necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive economy. I cannot think of a better individual than Dr. Rendell to lead EFSC’s workforce development initiatives and help prepare the next generation of students for the extraordinary opportunities ahead. I look forward to continuing our work together to make that vision a reality.”

“Dr. Rendell is an avid supporter of the workforce development efforts we are leading to advance skills training for Space Coast employers,” added Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “I look forward to working together with Dr. Rendell and EFSC to collectively address the challenges our Workforce Study has identified. Our efforts moving forward will give employers access to more technical skills and certifications and our community members access to these great careers.”

For more information about Eastern Florida State College and the many degree and certificate programs currently offered, visit easternflorida.edu or call (321) 632-1111.

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