GCE - Global Connections to Employment

03/02/2026

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month

March is recognized as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and reaffirming a collective commitment to providing the encouragement and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives.

02/27/2026

GCE team member Mark Kessler shares his thoughts on areas of growth for the AbilityOne program and the importance of being a trusted partner.

Mark Kessler, VP of Innovation and Business Development, discusses GCE's role as a trusted partner in driving innovation and business growth. Mark shares the...

02/25/2026

There is nothing better than having a GCE team member share their journey to finding employment with GCE. Whitney Jordan, a custodial team member on our Naval Air Station Pensacola custodial contract, recently got on stage to share why her job is so important.

When a team member talks about what employment meant after barriers, setback, or long job searches, it highlights what inclusive employment actually delivers - dignity. AbilityOne jobs make a difference across the country to thousands of people with a disability, who have a goal of work and being an active member of the communities where they live.

Thank you, Whitney, for sharing your story at our recent GCE conference in Pensacola, Florida.

02/23/2026

During our GCE leadership conference in February, it gives team members from across numerous states the opportunity to meet face-to-face. We celebrate both long time team members and those who are new to a leadership role. Sharing best practices, contract site stories, and just having a great time being together.

Thank you to the crew for coming to Pensacola and making the conference a great success!

Photo: Food Service/Custodial crew members from a few of our contract sites (not all)

02/20/2026

Meet Jerry Maygarden, a valued member of our board of directors. With decades of leadership—as Mayor of Pensacola, a Florida state legislator, Navy veteran, and community champion—Jerry brings unmatched passion to our mission of helping people. His connection to our organization dates back to the 1990s.

Read Jerry's story: https://www.lifeviewgroup.org/2026/02/19/meet-our-board-jerry-maygarden/

02/20/2026

On Friday 13th we were fortunate to have Katie Birmingham, NW Florida District Director and Carey Griffin NW Florida legislative aide Senator Rick Scott's office, and Ann Sharpsteen, NW Florida Regional Director Senator Moody's office tour NAS Pensacola with our GCE food services team.

Having Senator Scott and Senator Moody team members take the time to meet our team members, hear their stories, and see the work performed for the military men and women on base is greatly appreciated by GCE.

It turns policy into people. The AbilityOne Program can look like a line item in a budget or a paragraph in a statute, but after meeting team members in person and seeing the work performed, the program becomes human. They see careers, productivity, taxpayers and community members contributing to our war fighters.

It elevates disability employment as a workforce solution.

02/19/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7-1Ny7llAU&t=13s

Meet Carl Clark Jr., a GCE food service employee at Fort Johnson, shares how his job helped him gain confidence, improve communication skills, and achieve pe...

02/18/2026

Congratulations to Aaron Oeth on his recent promotion to project manager at our Eielson Air Force Base food service contract in Alaska.

Stephen Sandquist, Operations Director shared, "When Aaron was recruited for the Assistant Project Manager position, it was clear he was a leader capable of more. His 20 years of service in the Air Force, primarily in services roles, combined with his experience managing the Two Seasons Dining Facility for the Air Force—one of the same facilities he now manages for GCE—made him uniquely qualified for the role. GCE’s culture was one of the primary factors that attracted Aaron to the organization, and he has proven to be an excellent fit. From Aaron’s time overseeing GCE’s contract with the Air Force to his current role, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership. He has earned the trust of GCE’s leadership team, the team members he leads, and our Air Force customer."

Thank you, Aaron, for being a valued member of our GCE family!

02/16/2026

During GCE’s Leadership Conference in Pensacola, Florida last week two awards were given out during lunch on Wednesday afternoon. Congratulations to the following exceptional team members on their well-deserved recognition.

• Performance Excellence Award: Chrisopher Seventko, operations director contact center services.
• Living the Mission Award: Pam Aman, director of operations for custodial services.

Team members from around the country came together to share best practices, celebrate awards, and discuss the future of GCE.

02/13/2026

Congratulations to our Team Member of the Year, Theresa Wohlfarth! Theresa serves as a Project Manager at the Official Mail Center on Eglin Air Force Base, where her passion for customer service and leadership shines every day. Whether she’s assisting customers or supporting her team, Theresa brings a friendly smile and a positive attitude that makes a lasting impact.

To learn about Theresa's journey, visit https://ow.ly/v0nE50YcXh6.

02/11/2026

We are elated to announce Theresa Wohlfarth as GCE's Team Member of the Year! As project manager for our contract at the Official Mail Center on Eglin Air Force Base, Theresa plays a vital role in ensuring prompt and accurate military communications.

“Theresa's customer service is second to none. Her professionalism and creativity make the OMC a welcoming and positive space, often noted by customer feedback and site visits,” said Pam Aman, senior director of operations.

Learn more about Theresa at https://gce.org/2026/02/11/theresa-wohlfarth-has-been-named-global-connections-to-employment-team-member-of-the-year/.

02/11/2026

On Tuesday afternoon GCE kicked off their 2026 Leadership Conference at Pensacola Beach in Florida. Leaders from across the country, including Alaska, are gathered this week to share best practices, learn what the future holds in 2026, and celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of 2025. On Tuesday, the morning session was held with our parent organization LifeView Group!

"We're gathering for meaningful conversations, strategic collaboration, and inspiring sessions to strengthen our team and lead with purpose," noted GCE President Dwight Davis.

Dwight welcomed Howard Cooke - Vice President Account Support and Carla Gocool - Senior Director Account Services from SourceAmerica to the conference. Having Howard and Carla here will deepen collaboration, clarity, and collective growth as we support the AbilityOne Program and meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities.