Ellyn Drotzer, Lighthouse of Broward

Ellyn Drotzer recently joined Lighthouse of Broward as its executive director in Fort Lauderdale. She has spent more than 20 years working in a variety of positions for public and private social, educational and human services organizations, including the State of Florida Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services and Nova Southeastern University. Each role came with a unique set of challenges and rewards. But the mission was always clear: to make life better for clients and to make a real difference in the community, she said.

About: Lighthouse of Broward, established in 1973, is a provider of rehabilitation services, training and support programs for Broward County’s 125,000 visually impaired residents.

Why I’m a good fit: I bring all of my previous experiences in creating real solutions to complex problems that blind and visually impaired people live with on a daily basis. Resume: Experience: Director of business development at the South Florida Community Care Network; Broward College, associate vice president, grants and research; Children Services Council of Broward County, director, research, analysis and planning; Broward Workforce Development Board, planner, program research & development.

Education: Harvard Kennedy School, Nonprofit Financial Stewardship; Florida International University, Masters of Social Work; University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts

Impact: What attracted me to this job was the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of people with blindness or visual impairment in Broward County. There are so many children and adults that could benefit from our services that we have yet to touch.

Social engagement: Appointed to the Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities by Gov. Rick Scott; chaired the City of Hollywood Justice Task Force and United Way Quality Assurance Committee. On the side Reading: “Traction,” by Gino Wickman

ELLYN DROTZER