Ronald Allen Barkett former president of the International Association of Workforce Professionals was born on August 11, 1943 at Victoria Hospital in Miami, Florida. He attended Shenandoah Jr. High School. Ron graduated from Miami Senior High School (’61) and completed double majors Bachelors’ Degrees and a Masters Degree from the University of Florida. Ron’s early work experiences includes working with disadvantage youth, supervising migrant programs and working with the Department of Labor in various supervisory positions. Ron served as chief of the Bureau Research and Innovation with the Department of Labor before moving to the Office of the Attorney General. At the AG’S Office Ron’s major accomplishment was the development and implementation of Florida Victim Services Certification Program upon which the U.S. Department of Justice modeled their National Certification Program.
Ron had been active in professional organizations throughout his working career. He served two terms as President of the Florida Employment Counselors Association, elected twice as President of the Florida Association Personnel in Employment Security and elected International President of the International Association of Workforce Professionals.
Ron has received numerous awards, commendations and recognitions during his life’s work. He received commendations from the National President’s Committee on Employment of People of Disabilities and for outstanding contributions from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime. He was awarded recognitions from Florida Department of Education and the Department of Health and Related Services. He received the “Volunteer of the Year” award sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat Newspaper. His proudest achievements were being awarded the rank of “Kentucky Colonel” by the Governor of the State of Kentucky, appointed honorary Chief of the Mandan Indian tribe of North Dakota and appointed by the Governor “Admiral in the Nebraska Navy”. Ronald is survived by his oldest brother Thomas, youngest brother Richard (Christine), Sister-In-Law Lorraine (Raymond) and all his nephews, nieces, grand nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers a donation to Ron’s favorite charity…
Salaam Club Scholarship Fund
Salaam Club
8101 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32216