Mr. Newton Sanon obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout; he continued his studies at UW-Stout and obtained a Master’s Degree in Training in Human Resources Development. Mr. Sanon is a Graduate of Harvard University’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management and Wharton’s School of Education Management Development Program, where he was able to further hone his skills and expertise to continue serving the mission of OIC of South Florida.
OIC of South Florida provides services in Broward County and Miami-Dade County, helping the unemployed and underemployed learn new skills and earn industry-recognized credentials that enable them to launch family-supporting careers with clear pathways for economic advancement. As a result of Mr. Sanon’s leadership and dedicated staff, over 45,000 now former recipients of public assistance, returning citizens, incumbent workers, un-employed, and underemployed residents of South Florida have obtained employment over the past 21 years and are now taxpaying and therefore contributing citizens of South Florida.
In his capacity as President and CEO of OIC of South Florida, Mr. Sanon is committed to the advancement of the underserved via vocational training and education. OIC of South Florida’s’ programming remains in working with individuals who are re-entering society after being incarcerated, and is the leading provider of job training and placement for returning citizens in the area. OIC’s Reentry Program has been highlighted on CNN and was instrumental in securing the “Honor of Hope” award from the White House Office of Faith and Community based initiatives. This prestigious recognition is given to only one faith or community-based organization per State.
Mr. Sanon has exponentially expanded OIC’s services in the South Florida area, having started with just 2 employees (himself and a part-time secretary) and has flourished to approximately 185+ staff members since its inception in 2001. OIC of South Florida’s annual budget began at $125,000 and is now $10 million annually and growing. Due to Mr. Sanon’s stewardship, OIC has solidified over $95 million in state, local, federal and private dollars.
A proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Sanon is an awardee of The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Advocates Entrepreneurs and Life Time Achievers, Leadership Florida Class of XXXIV, and a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, serving several leadership roles. Mr. Sanon was appointed by the Broward County Board of Commissioners to serve as a member on their Police & Criminal Justice Review Board and was nominated by the Mayor of Broward County to serve as a Member of the South Florida Regional Planning Councils (SFRPC) 2022-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee.
Most recently, Mr. Sanon was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence (FFCE) and the Miami-Dade Public Schools Business Advisory Council. The FFCE provides opportunities for Florida Inmates reentering society through job training programs, online and classroom academic training, and wellness programs. The Miami-Dade Business Advisory Council is comprised of business and industry leaders helping to inform and formulate policy and program priorities linked to topics such as student achievement, Workforce Development, District assets, procurement processes and evolving technologies.