CLERMONT, Fla., Aug. 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Special Olympics Florida today announced that Debbie Harvey, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Ron Jon Surf Shop, has been named to the Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors.
Harvey joined Ron Jon, a privately held company based out of Cocoa Beach, Fla., as Vice President of Merchandise Buying 16 years ago and has served as President and COO since 2008.
"Debbie and Ron Jon have been instrumental in bringing surfing and stand up paddle to Special Olympics Florida," said Sherry Wheelock, President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida. "Her hands-on involvement and enthusiasm to share these sports with our athletes make her a tremendous asset to our Board of Directors."
Under Harvey's leadership, Ron Jon helped found Special Olympics Florida's surfing and stand up paddle programs. Ron Jon continues to sponsor both sports programs and hosts the State Surfing Competition in Cocoa Beach.
"I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, as well as the dedicated staff at Special Olympics Florida, to do everything possible to support the incredible athletes we serve," said Harvey
Harvey is a board member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Central Florida Partnership, and the Space Coast Economic Development Committee. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Florida Retail Federation. She formerly served on the boards of United Way, the Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Brevard Zoo. She is also a member of Brevard Civ-Mil, the Business School Advisory Board at Florida Institute of Technology, WeVenture, and a Leadership Florida graduate. She was chosen as one of the top 100 business leaders of Florida for the Florida Council of 100.
In addition to Special Olympics Florida, Ron Jon also supports the Brevard School Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the National Kidney Foundation, and Junior Achievement. The company sponsors the Beach and Board Fest and the Ron Jon Marathon.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=41219
