Honoree

Honorable Richard “Ken” Shipley
Osceola County Commissioner for District III

Ken Shipley is an honorable man! He’s a tireless champion of causes aimed at building and improving the character of a community. He works long hours, giving of his time, knowledge, and experience in the service of  others. He served his country as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps! He’s the loving husband of Sharon, and father of Todd, Samantha, and Jamie. He is a great and loyal friend of the Caribbean and Floridian Association.

Commissioner Shipley serves on the Osceola County board of Commissioners as the representative of District III, a position to which he was first elected in 1997.

He attended East Tennessee State University where he majored in Business and Psychology, and a graduate in Business and Management from the Sprint University of Excellence. He has held various positions in Sprint Division offices in other States, and currently in the State of Florida. His responsibilities encompass a long list of expectations, including the establishment of “effective relationships and communications with media, key leaders, and stakeholder organizations.” He has achieved all of this in his relationship with the Caribbean and Floridian Association.

Commissioner Shipley’s professional and civic involvement is as diverse as the organizations and communities he has helped. He has served on the Board of Directors of many civic organizations, too numerous to list here. A few notables are Osceola Regional Medical Center, Kissimmee Rotary Club, Heart of Florida United Way, Community Vision, Boy Scouts of Osceola County, Orange County Community Action Board, Osceola Chamber of Commerce, Osceola County Council on Aging, and the Osceola County Republican Party. He is co-founder of the Osceola County Hispanic Council, and received their Amigo of the Year Award in 1999.

For his services to the community Commissioner Shipley has received many honors, awards and distinctions. In recognition of his outstanding service to the diverse groups within our community, his friendship, caring, willingness to give of his time and assistance, the Caribbean and Floridian Association is delighted to honor Commissioner Ken Shipley with our Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Award.