Lighthouse Central Florida, a nonprofit that provides rehabilitation services to Central Floridians living with vision impairment or blindness, recently named Gloria Barber as Director of Human Resources. She will serve in the same role for Lighthouse Works, the nonprofit’s social enterprise organization that provides job training and employment opportunities for the visually impaired.
As Director of HR, Barber will be responsible for overseeing the organizations’ HR departments, including recruitment, payroll processing and benefit administration and talent development, integration new employee development initiatives and leadership academy.
“Gloria’s extensive background in HR with a wide variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations brings valuable experience to our organization,” said Kyle Johnson, President and CEO of Lighthouse Central Florida and Lighthouse Works. “With her keen understanding of nonprofit operations, she will be essential in our mission to help clients live, learn and earn with vision loss.”
Barber brings more than 20 years of HR experience to Lighthouse Central Florida and Lighthouse Works, most recently serving as Corporate Director of HR for Florida Rising. She has held leadership roles across multiple industries, including nonprofits, aerospace and defense, retail and wholesale, manufacturing, construction, engineering, and technology.
“I’m eager to join the Lighthouse team and share the best practices and diverse perspectives I’ve gained during my career,” said Barber. “Even more, I’m looking forward to working with leadership to make decisions that strengthen the organization’s services and mission.”
A published author, Barber has a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), a master’s degree in business administration and management, and a second master’s degree in human resources management both from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). She also holds a doctorate in HR in organizational leadership, learning and development from Barry University, Miami Shores, plus multiple HR certifications.
Lighthouse Central Florida provides education, independent life skills, and job readiness training and coaching to people living with vision impairment or blindness and their families. Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, Lighthouse is the only nonprofit provider of life-changing vision rehabilitation services in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Through Lighthouse Works, the nonprofit provides job training, employment and career opportunities for the advancement of people who are visually impaired.
