COUNTY OF NUECES

COUNTY OF NUECES APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OR COMMISSION
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT YOUR INFORMATION TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION.
A RESUME MUST ACCOMPANY THE APPLICA TlON, BUT IT DOES NOT SERVE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPLETION OF THIS APPLICA TlON. CONSIDERA TlON WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT HAVE A COMPLETED APPLICA TlON AT THE TIME THE APPOINTMENT IS PLACED ON THE AGENDA. Board or Commission Applying for?
Board of Trustees of the Nueces County Mental health and Menta l Retardation Center
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name
Darren Bates
3233 C
Drive Corpus Christi, Texas 78418
Home Address
Phone
(361) 937-1007
Work Phone
331-1744
Email Address
Precinct 1
Residence in Nueces County
Current Em
r
Dates of Employment
Precinct 2
Precinct 3
Precinct 4
Darren Bates LLC
TO Current
FROM 11/06/12
Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
FROM 06/01/2009
TO 11/06/12
nization
Board, ""r1",",,~lIn Corpus Christi Alumni Association
Name of Organization
Advisory, Aging and Disability Resource Center Dates of Service 2010- Present
Name of Organization
COUNTY BOARD OR COMMISSION INFORMATION
Explain why you are interested in serving on this Board or Commission and what experience you
bring that would assist in decision making and future actions of this Board or Commission.
Please see attachment titled :
Attachment I.
Darren Bates I Summary of Interest to Serve
Have you served on any board, commission or committee in Nueces County?
I If you answered yes, please list pOSition and dates of service.
NO [j] YES
D
Vice-Chair, Corpus Christi Committee for Persons With Disabilities, 2010-Present
Board, Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association, 201 O-Present
Advisory Board, Aging and Disability Resource Center, 2010-Present
Committee, MHMR Adult Community Resource Coordination Group, 2009- 2012
Committee Member, The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employment Initiative, 2009-2011
Board, Corpus Christi Human Resource Management Association, 2012- Current
...
.
.. . ..
- .... . .. . ..
-- . ­
-
c
Do you or an immediate family member* have any professional or financial relationship that may
present a potential conflict of interest for this board, commission or similar body? (i.e., employment,
contracts, financial investment)
[II NO
0
YES
I If you answered yes, please explain below.
NONE
Do you or any immediate family member* have or have had any pending legal matters related to
Nueces County or any board, commission or similar body within Nueces County?
!j] NO
0
YES
Ilf you answered yes, please explain below.
NONE
THREE (3) PROFESSIONAL AND/OR PERSONAL REFERENCES
-
Name
Crystal Fortune Lyons
Daytime
Occupation
Crystal Lyons, LCC, Consultant Disability Issues, Accessibility and Inclusion. Public POlicy
Phone
Name
Judy Telge
Daytime
Occupation
Founder & Interim Execut ive Dire ctor, Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living
Phone
Name
Dennis Borrel
Daytime
Occupation Executive Director, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
Phone
(361) 947-7201
(361) 813-6397
(512) 478-3366
I hereby certify that the foregoing answers are true . I further certify, should I be considered for appointment to
a board, commission, advisory board or committee I will disclose in this application whether I am an employee
of the governmental entity of which I seek appointment, I will disclose all appointments that may result in
conflicting loyalties, and I will disclose if a fam ily member is an employee of the governmental entity that I seek
appointment. Also should I be appointed to a board, commission, advisory board or committee, and should a
conflict of interest exist or develop with regard to a specific matter, I will disclose the conflict of interest upon
discovery and recuse myself from the deliberations and action involved. Conflicts of interest include, but are not
limited to: a direct or indirect financial interest by myself or a member of my family, and other interest, which
impairs my ability to participate fairly in the deliberations and actions in question.
DARREN BATES I DigitallD
Signature
03/19/2013
Date
*Immediate family member definition: wife, child, spouse of child, mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandparent
UPON COMPLETION, THE FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO THE COUNTY JUDGE BY CLICKING THE EMAIL BUTTONATTHETOPOFTHISFORM([email protected]). YOU MAY ALSO ATTACH YOUR RESUME BEFORE SENDING THE EMAIL ALTERNATIVElY, YOU MAY PRINT THE COMPLETED FORM, ATTACH RESUME AND MAIL TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 901 Leopard Street, Suite 303 Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 Darren Bates
3233 Catcay Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
T 361 .331.1744
Attachment I.
Darren Bates I Summary of Interest to Serve
Three times in my adult life, I experienced the death of a friend and loved
one -as a result of suicide and untreated clinical depression. As I child,
growing up in the 60's, I lived with family members who had psychiatric
disabilities and didn 't seek help or treatment. In time, our family was dis­
mantled, causing me and my sister to experience profound periods of
trauma; and diminished psychological well-being that led to our independ­
ent mental illness diagnosis.
Raised in an environment with familial depression, I'm surprised that I new,
as early as twelve or thirteen years of age, that I needed to ask for assis­
tance and take responsibility for my own happiness and recovery. Unlike
my Father, who never sought help from others or treatment for his addic­
tions and psychiatric disabilities, I reached out to my guidance teacher, Mr.
Barfield, when I was a freshman at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in
Houston Texas. I didn't know at the time, but Mr. Barfield was a psycholo­
gist and had years of practice before teaching at Jesuit. In the four years I
spent at Jesuit, I dedicated myself to change and action strategies; and
have since then, learned to seek support thorough behavioral health pro­
grams and other available organizations that affect and promote positive
health equity for people, like myself, that have familial depression and
other psychiatric risk factors.
My personal experience with mental illness, and my belief that people like
me can get better and work and contribute to society and lead happy and
fulfilled lives -are just a few of the many reasons I'm passionate about
serving on the Board of Trustees of the Nueces County Mental Health and
Mental Retardation Center. I also am dedicated to supporting individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and advancing their knowl­
edge creation, and the economic and personal advancement.
I consider myself a champion for diversity and inclusion strategies that
recognize and support best practices in the employment, advancement
and inclusion of a" people with disabilities. -And if appointed to serve on
the Board of Trustees, I wi" re-dedicate myself to affecting change and
sustainable progress. -So that one day, a" people with disabilities living
in Nueces County, particularly our youth with disabilities, wi" grow up
knowing that they are equal, they are important and they have the same
chance to succeed as anybody else because they live in city and in a
County without boundaries.
With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, I
am ready to be your champion. Please let me know if I can help you in any
way.
Darren Bates
Darren Bates
Chairman/CEO at Darren Bates LLC and FounderlPresident of the Employment Alliance for People
with Disabilities
Sumn1ary
Darren Bates is the Founder/CEO oftbe Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities and the
Chairman/CEO of Darren Bates LLC --a consulting fmn that specializes in helping businesses build a corporate
culture of access and inclusion™ and expand diversity and recruiting efforts by outreacbing, hiring and
retaining individuals with disabilities, older workers and wounded warriors. Mr. Bates is nationally recognized
as a leader and influencer of change with extensive experience and linkages with national and statewide
associations, advocacy groups and grass-roots organizations that affect equality, economic, political and social
rights. Mr. Bates travels extensively across the country to present at both public and professional
audiences, connecting stakeholders interested in social justice, leadership and equality. Mr. Bates is an
exceptional relationship builder and is widely known for his passion and dedication to championing diversity
and inclusion strategies that support the empowerment of social minority groups.
Experience
Chairman & CEO at Darren Bates LLC
2013 - Present (less than a yea r)
Founder of Darren Bates LLC --a consulting finn that specializes in helping businesses build a corporate
culture of access and inclusion and expand diversity and recruiting efforts by outreaching, hiring and
retaining individuals with disabilities, older workers and wounded warriors.
Corporate training modules include a wide range of topics significant to employers, federal contractors,
sub-contractors, and supply-chain, including but not limited to, bow to tum compliance into profit, how to
meet workforce and market needs by attracting and retaining a diverse \.v orkforce, developing strategies to
expand diversity and recruiting efforts, disability a\:\,'areness and etiquette, workplace accessibility and
inclusion, developing an interactive reasonable accommodation process, how to increase the bottom line by
outreacbing, hiring and retaining people with disabilities, older adults and wounded warriors, and how to
" build a corporate culture of access and inclusion."#
Founder & President at Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities
2011 - Present (2 years)
The Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) is a non-partisan, non-profit collaborative of
disability, workforce, educationa I and economic organizations, professionals and advocates dedicated to
increasing opportunities for people with disabilities, older workers and wounded warriors to engage in the
employment mainstream and advance both personal and financial independence. The EAPD was chosen by
th e Texas Governor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities as the 2012 winner oftbe prestigious Lex
Frieden Employment Award in the Martba Arbuckle Category --which recognizes the SINGLE most
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innovative organization/committee and project in the state of Texas that has transfOlmed the lives of job
seekers with disabilities .
The EAPD drives ilU1ovation, fosters creativity and scts the pace for disability inclusion.
EAPD activities include:
** Development and support of governmental best practices and policies that advance sustainable individual
and systems level change to improve competitive, integrated employment and economic self-sufficiency for
adults with cross disabilities;
** Guiding and assisting businesses to expand diversity and recruiting efforts by outreaching, hiring and
retaining people with disabilities;
** Sponsoring career fairs,
business leadership meetings, workshops , seminars and other activities that
advance the personal and financial independence ofpeoplc with disabilities, older workers and wounded
warnors;
** Educating businesses, employers and other entities on accessibility issues, including but not limited to,
web-access, electronic infonnation and technical accessibility standards, accessible housing, transportation
and voting and other issues related to community inclusion, equal access, independent living and effective
communication for people with disabilities.
Regional Disability Navigator at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
June 2009 - November 2012 (3 years 6 months)
Designed and implemented strategic plans for improving effective and meaningful participation of persons
with disabilities in the public workforce development system. Dramatically enhanced universal access to
comprehensive employment services for older americans , low-wage earners, people with disabilities and
wounded warriors at 11 One-Stop Career Centers throughout the 12 county Coastal Bend region. Established
objectives, milestones, tracking mechanisms and methods for monitoring and reporting organizational
capacity to serve the universal population.
As a public figure of the organization, traveled extensively across the country to provide outreach,
presentations and training to both public and professional audiences. Managed a progressive agenda,
interacting with and influencing community leaders, government officials, regional stakeholders, and the
public through oral presentations, written cornnmnications, and active participation on numerous local, state
and national committees.
Delivered focused corporate training and built relationships across the organization to visibly align with, support and execute tangible outcomes for diversity inclusion and access. Ensured universal access was reflected in all business activities , including marketing materials, training and community facing efforts. Page2
Created award-winning collaborations and partnerships with national, state and local partners that
significantly increased opportunities for people with disabi lities to engage in the employment mainstream and
advance both personal and financially independence.
Developed, executed and administered the business plan for the Coastal Bend Workforce Development
Board's Employment Network under Social Security's Ticket to Work program, becoming 1 of the top 10
most productive Employment Networks in the country, earning more that 100K in less than 2 years.
25 recommendations available upon request
Resource Specialist at The State of Texas
2005 - 2008 (3 years)
Promoted and facilitated workforce development and educational activities by providing, resources,
leadership, consultation and technical assistance to individuals and community based organizations within the
public workforce system.
Assisted the general public gain access to local community resources as well as make practical and effective
use of computer and other resources within the One-Stop Career Center to search for, obtain, retain or change
employment.
Primary customer point-of-contact delivering comprehensive workforce development services and
one-on-one job search assistance to persons with multiple barriers to employment, especially to those who
presented unusual placement and employment adjustment problems and to those who possessed little to no
computer knowledge.
Prepared, implemented and delivered individual and group computer and software application training
workshops to the general public and facilitated government required orientation sessions.
Served as the liaison between the Infom1ation Technology Department and One Stop Career Center Staff to
ensure that all Staff Members were fluent with departmental applications, program upgrades and online Staff
Resources.
Administered, maintained and created reports using proprietary computer monitoring and
surveillance software to ensure proper usage of al\ public electronic resources.
Employment and Independent Living Specialist at The Sunshine Center
2003 - 2005 (2 years)
Assisted adults with a intellectual disabilities to overcome personal and social obstacles to find meaningful,
community based employment to maximize personal and financial independence, self-determination and
participate fully in the commtll1ity.
Delivered a combination of life skills and comprehensive multiservice training that included an integrated
package of occupational and technical skills training, life skills and social adaptive training focused on
Page3
increasing and developing patticipant's abilities to meaningfully participate in the modern workplace.
Created partnerships with private sector employers to ensure skills taught were demand-driven and strategically relevant for entering the local labor market, including both urban and rural areas. Set-up internships to provide on-the-job training for participants. Served as the liaison to the University of Texas Medical Branch Occupational Therapy and Psychology
Program to provide participants with benefits of individual and group occupational therapy and psychology
servIces.
Served on the Partnerships for Healthy Communities and Independent Living Program committee in
partnership with the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Information and Business Systems Analyst at DLB Consultants, LLC
1994 - 2003 (9 y ars)
Provided information technology consulting, implementation, technical support, training, strategic plaIming
and business analysis to corporate clients and individual users. Conferred with clients regarding information
processing and technology needs . Detennined computer software and/or hardware required to set up or alter
system to meet system needs and requirements .
Expanded or modified system s to serve new purposes or improve work flow . Tested, maintained and
monitored computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and
system nehvorks. Developed, documented and revised system design procedures, test procedures and quality
standards. Consulted with corporate management to ensure agreement on system principles. Provided
ongoing corporate staff and individual users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as
malfunctions and program problems . Reviewed and analyzed performance indicators to locate code problems
and correct system and network errors.
Honors and Awards
Lex Frieden Employment Award -Martha Arbuckle Category
Texas Governor's Committee on Persons with Disabilites
September 2012
Awarded to the SINGLE most innovative committee and project in the state of Texas that has transformed the
lives of job seekers with disabilities.
Partner of the Year
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
October 2012
Awarded to the most outstanding partner and collaborator of the year that has helps the Texas Department of
Assistive and Rehabilitative Services enhance the empowerment and employment of Texas with disabilities.
Page4
Projects
Mobility Options Project for People with Disabilities
September 2010 to Present
Members:Darren Bates, Judy Telge
In 2010 the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living received a Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC)
grant through the Texas Department of Transportation to provide a demonstration addressing gaps between
available travel options and choices for people with disabilities in rural areas for employment-related trips.
The grant project required infrastructure development as well as demonstration to determine feasibility of a
region-wide consumer-directed transportation voucher program that will increase the availability of
accessible and affordable transportation options for people with disabilities seeking employment related tripe
through mobility management and cost-sharing.
Worked in Partnership with the Mobility Options for People with Disabilities (MOP) Mobility Director and
Mobility Coordinator, to develop the Project's infrastructure including a survey instrument used to identify
unmet transportation needs of people with cross-disabilities, aggregating a transp011ation service provider
inventory and profile, creating and establishing a voucher/cost sharing model, developing and implementing a
consumer-controlled mobility management strategy and other programmatic and operational innovations .
Produced the M2 Summit 2011: Defining Mobility Management in the Coastal Bend, a regional
mobility management summit featuring nationally recognized mobility management and coordinated
transportation expe11, Jon Burkbardt. Support for the Suml11 it was provided from TxDOT through the MOP
JARC grant. The M2 Summit 2011 brought mobility management to the forefront of transportation plarming
and created greater awareness of mobility management strategies at both the regional and state level.
Championed the inclusion of employment related mobility needs, the cross disability perspective and transportation solutions that support the success of job-seekers with disabilities and business customers into the 2011 transportation regional coordination plan. Skills & Experti se
Workforce Development
Leadership
Community Outreach
Program Development
Non-profits
Fundraising
Public Speaking
Government
Employment Transportation
Americans with Disabilities Act
Disabilities
PageS
Independent Living
Diversity & Inclusion
Veterans
Employment
Accessibility
Organizations
Corpus Christi Human Resources Management Association
Board of Directors, Programs Chair I Diversity Committee
Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association
Board of Directors
Corpus Christi Committee for Persons With Disabilities
Vice Chainnan
The nine (9) Committee members are appointed by the City Council for the purpose of carrying on a program
to encourage, assist, and enable persons with disabilities to participate in the social and economic life of the
city; to achieve maximum personal independence; to become gainfully employed; and to enjoy fully and use
all public and private facilities available within the community.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Advisory Board Member
The Aging and Disability Resource Center Program is a collaborative effort oftbe U.S. Administration on
Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority - Project Advisory Committee
Committee Member
Serves in an advisory role to the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority's internal long-tern
planning and project team.
Accessible Transportation Coalition Initiative
Committee Member
Through Easter Seals Project ACTION, the Accessible Transportation Coalition Initiative is dedicated to
creating and suporing efforts for sustainable, affordable, accessible, and available mobility options for all.
Partnership for Mobility Management
Committee Member
The Partnership for Mobility Management is a joint effort of national organizations that work with national,
local, state and regional leaders and organizations to realize tbe possibilities of improving transportation
options for all Americans wberever they live and to assist those especially in need of alternative
transportation options.
Texas Homeless Network
Committee Member
Page6
The Texas Homeless Network provides training and technical assistance around the state of Texas helping
service providers and communities better serve the homeless population with the end goal of preventing and
ending homelessness.
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
Member
CTD is the largest and oldest member driven cross-disability organization in the state of Texas. Dedicated to
ensuring that persons with disabilities may work, live, learn, play and participate fully in the community of
their choice. Focused on the areas of governmental advocacy, public awareness activities, and professional
disabi lity consulting.
Educati on
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Arts/Humanities
Interests
Diversity hotline, public speaking, corporate training, coaching and consulting support
Page7
Darren Bates
Chairman/CEO at Darren Bates LLC and FounderlPresident of the Employment Alliance for People
with Disabilities
darren.bates@me .com
Linked
25 people have recommended Darren
"In working with Darren Bates, he always has his focus on serving th e higher purpose for our community. He
wholeheartedly understands the importance of collaborations and partnerships in working toward our
community's prosperity and quality oflife. It is rare that you find a capable individual that has the ability to
work with all walks oflife with the utmost respect and genuine spirit of a unified mission."
-
Nelda Martinez, was Darren's client
"Darren emerged as a leader among Texas' disability navigators a few years ago. His commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce is exemplary. He's excellent at sharing valuable communications with colleagues throughout Texas ." - Dennis BoreL Executive Director, Coalition ofTexans with Disabilities, was with another company when
working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren exemplifies the meaning of teamwork, he is always at the forefront of collaborative efforts, specifiC\y
those that bring focus to assisting persons with disabilities. 1 have had the pleasure of working on various
project with Darren and know that ifhe is a part of the project, there will be success. Darren demonstrates
excellent leadership skills, great judgement, decision making capabilities , job knowledge, quality of work and
is dedicated to service. His committement is exemplary ."
- Viola Monrreal, Program Developer, AAAlADRC ofthe Coastal Bend, was with another company when
working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren is one of the people 1 love working with - he's focused , innovative, and committed to achieving his
goals and making a difference in the lives of people he works with. And he has a good sense of humor!"
- Jo Virgil, Community Outreach and Information SpeCialist, State of Texas, was with another company
when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"1 have worked with Darren Bates on community projects and in civic organizations and know him to be a
serious professional with a capacity for volunteerism and leadership."
- Claudia Jackson, Executive Director ofCommunity and Legislative Relations, Del Mar College, was with
another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
Page8
"Darren has been a key player on the ACCESS TEAM, a coalition that I've had the pleasure of working with
for some time, advancing accessible transportation options for people with disabilities in the Coastal Bend
region. He does an excellent job of organizing the diverse group around goals, and keeping motivations high,
though the work can be strenuous and time consuming. Darren is clearly someone who knows how to bring
people together for a common cause and help everyone in a group work toward that end."
- Hendrik (Rik) Opsteiten, Training and Technical Assistance Specialist- Project ACTION, Easter
Seals, worked directly with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren has demonstrated his ability to create an organization and an event Gob fair for individuals with
disabilities) in a short period of time and also ensured it's success. He co-chaired this undertaking and made it
a very positive endeavor. His character, passion and leadership abilities for assisting individuals with
disabilities is inspiring. I enjoyed working with him and will continue to be involved with this organization
because of people like Darren ."
- Rachel Cox, Director, Disability Services, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, was with another
company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren Bates is the Navigator of the Corpus Christi Workforce Solutions Team. He is networked with
inumerable public agencies, nonprofits, employers and benefits providers who offer a broad spectrum of
services and options for job seekers and those who are 100lUng for employees. He connects parties with
common interests through his knowledge and familiarity with many entities in the business, public and
private sectors. Mr. Bates is truly a force in the employment, disability and business sectors - it is a privilege
to work with bim."
- Mary E. Wambach, Executive Director, The Deafand Hard ofHearing Center, was with another
company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Daren'S myriad achievements along with his multifaceted character make him an outstanding person and
skilled leader. Daren's numerous leadership roles along \\lith his varied volunteer services and job
experiences, prove that he is fully aware of the shortcomings of society; however, rather than idly accepting
these shortcomings, Daren chooses to devise plans for overcoming them."
- Desiree Castro, Government Affairs Coordinator, Corpus Christi Chamber ofCommerce, was with
another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren is a great asset to any team, he is a results driven and detail oriented person. He is the guy you want
to work with' Darren's work ethic is remarkable."
- Crystal Fortune Lyons, President/CEO, Crystal Fortune Lyons, LLC, was with another company when
working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren is a true professional that can take a project concept and make it a reality. It has been a pleasure to
work with him. / Tom"
-
Tom Niskala, Transportation Planning Director, Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning
Page9
, was with another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren Bates is hard working and innovative, as Disability Navigator for Workforce Solutions of the Coastal
Bend he created Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities (EAPD). One of the outcomes of that
effort has been an a1U1Ual Job Fair which has successfully connected many people with disabilities to jobs.
Mr. Bates performance as Disability Navigator exceeded the standards set by previous employees. Darren is
active in support of the Accessible Transportation Coalition Initiative (Access TEAM) work. He is
collaborative and a consensus builder with a goal of expanding mobility opportunities throughout the region.
He understands the importance of mobility as integral to successful employment. Darren Bates is a
consummate professional who serves as an articulate and effective representative for Workforce Solutions of
the Coastal Bend."
- Linda Fallwell Stover, Manager Purchased Transportation, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation
Authority, was with another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development
Board
"Darren is a man of outstanding character. I am honored to have worked with Darren during our time together
in Leadership Corpus Christi. He is very creative and dedicated to everything he does. I hope we have the
opportunity to work together in the future."
- Sam Canavatl Director o/Operations, Fuddruckers, was with another company when working with
Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren is a phenomenal career professional. He uses his years of experience and his empathy to serve his
clients well. Darren is very knowledgeable about the current trends in job searching. He is also a great
resource for ADA compliance information."
- Terri Howe, Associate Director, Career Services, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, was with
another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"I had the great privilege of working with Darren in 2009 during the Summer Youth employment project at
Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. Together, we helped placed disabled youth in summer jobs. Our
collaboration helped increase awareness about employment services for the disabled throughout the Coastal
Bend. Darren is a motivated, skilled and dedicated worker. He is resourceful, knowledgeable, professional
and would be an asset to any team."
- Jennifer Rojas, Project Cooordinator, ]obs4Youth, Workforce Solutions/Serco o/Texas, worked directly
with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren has done an excellent job at bringing a vast variety of issues related to persons with disabilities to the
forefront in our community. His hard work and dedication to the disability community has helped to forge
new programs and alliances with stakeholders and the employer business community. It bas been a pleasure
to work alongside Darren on various projects due to his leadership and advocacy. I highly recommend Darren
in his future endeavors."
PagelO
- Irene Martinez, IDD Program Manager, A1HMR Center ofNueces County, was with another company
when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren is very conscientious, pays attention to even the smallest details and seems to truly understand
disability. He is very well connected to the community and to various service providers. He is an excellent
r
resource for infomlation . highly recommend connecting and working with Darren."
- Toni Padilla, Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Texas Department ofAssistive and
Rehabilitative Services, was with another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce
Development Board
"Darren is polished and professional and is always looking for innovative and meaningful ways to improve
service to his customer. He is the perfect example of the valuable employee who consistently challenges his
co-workers to meet high quality standards. He developed new ways to train our staff with his web-based
training topics and raised the bar for measuring initiative and di splays a can-do attitude ."
- Mary Ann Rojas, President/CEO, Workforce Solutions ofthe Coastal Bend, managed Darren indirectly at
Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"To Whom It May Concern : 1 have had the pleasure of working collaboratively with Mr. Darren Bates for
over two years through a state wide network of disability experts; dedicated to increasing equal access and
employment opportunities for job seekers with disabilities. During this time I have had the oppOltunity to
grow professionally from the leadership and dedication that Darren has demonstrated within this network. I
am confident in saying that our network was also strengthened due to his forward thinking and collaborative
professionalism that encourages partnerships and resulted in more effective, streamline services for job
seekers with disabilities. Darren is a team player who truly understands the dedication and innovation
required to reach success. His engaging and supporti ve nature allows the talents of his co works to flourish.
He demon strates a keen ability to leverage resources within his community and it doing so creates
opportunity. It is a pleasure working with him and
r am confident that he will bring his success to any
organization that has the opportunity to have him as a representative of their agency. If you should need
additional information or have any questions, please feel lTee to contact me at 956-451-3427. Sincerely,
Katherine Filut Disability Program Navigator [email protected]"
- Katherine Filut, Disability Program Navigator, Workforce Solutions Lower RGV, worked with Darren at
Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren has done outstanding work at Coastal Bend Workforce. He has implemented many new procedures
to help people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. He is a sharp, outstanding person. I would
recommend him for any future positions. He strives for excellence."
- Teryl Ann Cozby, Human Resource SpeCialist - Disability Navigator, Workforce Solutions for North
Central Texas, worked directly with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren is a very professional young man who does an excellent job working with otbers. He is a true
Pagell
advocate of those less fortunate. He has excellent communication skills."
- Nickie Valdez, Vice-President, SERCO of Texas, worked directly with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce
Development Board
"From our first introduction a few years ago to our last Darren has always been extremely knowledgeable in
his field and has various other expertises. He is a gentlemen, reliable, and a great example of an ideal
professional. In the first year of the creation of the Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities, he was
a fantastic Co-Chair. Additionally, Darren is also known for being a great team player."
- Michael Nino, Employment Assistance Specialist, Department ofAssistive and Rehabilitative Services Divisionfor Blind Services, was with another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend
Workforce Development Board
"Our agency has partnered with Darren to assist people who are blind find employment. I find him to be very
professional in the work be does. He is well respected in the commlU1ity and always comes well prepared and
organized. Most importantly be always seems to bring a positive "can-do" attitude to the table ."
- Gonzo Gonzalez, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 11, DARS/ Divisionfor Blind Services, was with
another company when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"Darren is one of the sharpest Navigators we've had in texas . He is very demanding and passionate about helping individuals with disabilities find employment, and I know he has worked and been successful in writing and recieving grants for different funding of carious Workforce Programs. 5 stars all the way!" - Billy Blanchard, Disability Navigator, Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent, was with another company
when working with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board
"I enjoy working with Darren as part of TWC's Disability Navigator Initiative . He is a professional, efficient,
timely and has a wealth ofknow\cdge on disability-employment issues. He is one of my "goto" persons if!
am looking for resources."
- Sridevi Veeramachaneni, MBA, Disability Navigator, Workforce Solutions Panhandle, worked with Darren at Coastal Bend Workforce Development Board Contact Darren on LinkedIn
Page12
u.s. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
Houston District Office
Joe Bontke
Office of Outreach
& Ombudsman
Total Plaza
120 I Louisiana Street, 6'" Floor
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE (713)651-4994
FAX (713) 6514902
t
March 18 \ 2013
Samuel L. Neal, Jr., Nueces County Judge
ATTN: MHMR Board of Trustees Application
901 Leopard Street, Room 303
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Darren Bates
Dear Judge Neal,
In today's highly competitive government market, doing more with less is the burden each civil
servant faces. As director of the outreach and ombudsman program at the EEOC Houston
District Office, I know my resources with-in state and local government agencies are invaluable.
Darren Bates is one of our committees most highly regarded State of Texas resourses and Lex
Frieden Employment award winner. I have known Mr. Bates for the past few years. He is a
consciousness and diligent advocate for people with disabilities. I know his in-depth network of
resources, friends, colleges and skills, that make "mountains move" in legislative preparations,
emergency preparedness, investigating concerns of stakeholders and the innovations he has
brought to our state.
The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life,
the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of
life; the sick, the needy and those with disabilities. I have personally seen Mr. Bates reach out to
all members of society to make sure inclusion was achieved. Darren's work in giving a voice to
those without one, securing a "place at the table" for those not invited and a reminder to the rest
of us to do the same is her everyday style.
In closing, based on my experience working with him, I can unreservedly recommend Darren Bates to you. If you would like further elaboration, feel free to call me.
r C?JffYl7L
Sincerely,
Joe Bontke
Crystal Fortune Lyons
13901 Cabana North Corpus Christi, Texas 78418 March 18, 2013
Honorable Samuel L. Neal, Jr.
Nueces County Judge
901 Leopard St., Room 303
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Re: MHMR Board of Trustees Appointment
Dear Judge Neal:
I am writing to recommend Darren Bates for appointment to the MHMR
Board of Trustees. I have known him for several years and know him
to be dedicated to the disability community and the tenets of
independence and respect for all. He is known nationally and
throughout the state of Texas as a leader in disability integration.
I have served with Darren and worked with him on many projects
related to the disability community and am always happy to join in
projects where he is involved. He is the task-master of any project in
which he is involved, lending to the success and credibility of those
projects.
As the Disability Navigator for Workforce Solutions, Darren developed
new relationships and strengthened longtime relationships throughout
the community. He developed and leads the award winning
Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities and its highly
successful annual Job Fair.
Darren will contribute greatly to the Board of Trustees through his
extensive knowledge of disability issues, his dedication to the disability
community and his relationships throughout the community, state and
country.
I can highly recommend Darren Bates for appointment to the MHMR
Board of Trustees and know you will be pleased with his contributions
as a Trustee. If you would like additional information, please don't
hesitate to call 361-947-7201.
Respectfully,
Cr~stal L~ons
Coalition of Texans
with Disabilities
316 W. 12th Street, Ste. 405
Austin, TX 78701
Phone 512. 478.3366
Fax 512. 478.3370
www.txdisabilities.org
March 18,2013
Samuel L. Neal Jr., Nueces County Judge
ATTN: MHMR Board of Trustees Application
901 Leopard St., Room 303
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
RE: letter of recommendation for Darren Bates
Dear Judge Neal,
I have been acquainted with Darren Bates for several years, initially through his work promoting
employment of people with disabilities, then through his interest in disability public policy.
Darren is a high energy individual with a demonstrated commitment to full inclusion of people with
disabilities in all aspects of the community. In fact, his work in employment was recognized as the top
program of its kind in the state. As a person with a disability himself, he brings a perspective that, in my
opinion, must be represented on all boards and commissions overseeing disability-serving organizations
and programs.
Another area in which he stands out is his skills in communications. He was easily the best among all the
Texas disability navigators in disseminating relevant information.
For all these reasons, Darren Bates is very well prepared to be an effective board member of the Nueces
County MHMR Center and I highly recommend him.
For A Barrier Free Texas,
Dennis Borel
Executive Director
CTD is a social and economic impact organization benefiting Texans with all disabilities of all ages. CTD is a
50l(c)3 membership organization controlled by people with disabilities.
Tonya B. Webber, Esq. The Honorable Samuel L. Neal, Jr., Nueces County Judge
AnN: MHMR Board of Trustees Application
901 Leopard Street, Room 303
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Darren Bates
Dear Judge Neal,
I am writing to recommend Darren Bates for appointment to the MHMR Board of Trustees. I know
Darren Bates as a nationally recognized leader and influencer of change with extensive experience
and linkages with national and statewide organizations that impact the quality of life for individua ls
with disabilities. Mr. Bates is the Chairman/CEO of Darren Bates LLC --a consulting firm that
specializes in helping businesses build a corporate culture of access and inclusion and expand
diversity and recruiting efforts by outreaching, hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities. Mr.
Bates is also the Founder of the award winning Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities -a
non-profit, non-partisan organization composed of businesses enterprise and service professionals
working jointly to achieve the highest success and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Mr. Bates is a Lex Frieden Employment award winner and has been recognized by the Texas
Governor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities for positively transforming the lives of people
with disabilities in the state of Texas. Mr. Bates is an extraordinary relationship builder, and will
contribute greatly to the Board of Trustees through his subject matter expertise in disability
employment, independent living, community inclusion, and from his extensive relationships with
community, state and national organizations, authorities and advocacy groups that support people
with disabilities older workers and wounded warriors.
As a person of exceptional character, dedication and integrity, I can highly recommend Darren Bates
for appointment to the MHMR Board of Trustees and know you will be pleased with his contributions
and ability to provide meaningful value as a Trustee. If you would like additional information, please
don't hesitate to call me at (361 ) 765- 1861 .
ToJ1ya webberTanya B. Webber
Porter, Rogers, Dahlman & Gordon, P.C.
800 N. Shoreline, Suite 800 S
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Telephone: (361) 880-5824
Fax: (361) 880-5844
twebber@prdg com
Labor and Employment Law
wwwprdQ com
Coastal Bend Center for
Independent Living
March 19,2013
Samuel L. Neal, Jr., Nueces County Judge
ATTN: MHMR Board of Trustees Application
901 Leopard Street, Room 303
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
RE: DARREN BATES
Dear Honorable Judge Neal:
Periodically, the right person is in the right place at the right time with the right capabilities for
the right reasons. Thus begins my recommendation for your consideration of my colleague
and friend Darren Bates as your next appointee to the Board of Trustees of the Nueces County
Mental Health-Mental Retardation Center (Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County).
Mr. Bates and I have worked together during the past five years on projects of significance
assisting people with disabilities to achieve independent living in our community. The projects
included Mobility Options, Accessible Transportation Community Initiative, the Employment
Alliance for People with Disabilities, and the Aging Disability Resource Center. Mr. Bates was
the Disability Navigator for Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend and elevated the
accomplishments of that position beyond all that I have known anywhere in the United States.
His success in designing and implementing strategic plans for improving effective and
meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the public workforce development
system evolved into a best practice in the workforce development arena, and has not been
achieved again since his position ended.
Mr. Bates has passion for individuals with psychiatric disabilities but he is absolutely committed
to a cross-disability approach to all that he does. He promotes the independent living
philosophy and he is dedicated to consumer direction and the achievement of a social justice,
leadership and equality. These essential ingredients to community-based services should be
strongly evident in policy and programs at the BHC, and Darren will provide the leadership
necessary to affect change and progress .
Mr. Bates will add the knowledge, critical thinking skills and acumen necessary at the Board
level to the challenges ahead for the growth and sustainability of the Behavioral Health Center
of Nueces County. As a former business owner, and now an independent consultant, Mr.
Bates will without question, build exceptional relationships and champion diversity and
inclusion strategies that support the empowerment of people with disabilities.
Thank you for your favorable consideration. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need
additional information.
Sincerely,
Judy Telge
Interim Executive Director
Toni Padilla March 18, 2013
Honorable Samuel L. Neal
AnN: MHMR Board of Trustees Application
901 Leopard Street, Room 303
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
RE: Darren Bates
Dear Judge Neal : To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is in support of Darren Bates' application to fill one of your vacancies on
the Board of Trustees of the Nueces County Mental Health-Mental Retardation
Center. I have known Darren for approximately five years and during that time he
has proved to be a assiduous advocate for people with disabilities. His mantra of
"Building a Culture of Access and Inclusion" is one that has resonated with many
in this community and has resulted in true and meaniful, positive change.
Darren has been a resource and help to me on several projects working with youth
with disabilities and I know I can contact him in the future when his expertise is
needed. He is a wealth of information, respectful of those with whom he works and
genuinely driven to bring about access and change for our community at large.
Darren sees the big picture and is able to effectively lead others to see it as well -- is
amazing! I can think of only a very few in our community who might add the
same kind of value to your Board as Darren Bates.
Please contact me should you have further questions.
Respectfully Submitted,
Toni Padilla, MPA
Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor III
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Division of Rehabilitation Services
361-537-3428
Monday, March 18,2013
Samuel L. Neal, Jr., Nueces County Judge ATTN: MHMR Board of Trustees 901 Leopard Street, Room 303 Corpus Christi TX 78401 Vear judge Neai :
A friend and co-worker, Darren Bates, is applying for a position on the Board of Trustees of the
Nueces County MHMR Center. j sincerely hope that be IS chosen to serve.
Mr. Bates and I have worked together on many pr~iects and I have sincere admiration for his
passion tor working on issues dealing with people with disabilities. He has big broad visions, but
knows that the focus on details is what makes the big picture happen. His sincerity and
professionalism are always made even richer with his sense of compassion and his sense of
humor. Mr. Bates knows how to successfully network, how to clearly communicate, and how to
work as an effective team member.
I've seen the lasting positive impact that some ofMr. Bates projects have had on people - his
work with the Texas Workforce Commission's Disability Navigator Initiative, with the Corpus
Christi community in general, and with the formation and activation of the Employment Alliance
for People with Disabilities, which won the Texas Governor's Lex Frieden Employment Award
for a Local Committee project in 2012.
Mr. Bates would be a significant positive addition to any organization, but specifically to an
organization with a focus on his passion for disability issues. His balance of compassion and a
professional approach ensure that his work serves the community well.
I am happy to provide more details in my work relationship with Mr. Bates. You may contact me
at my personal phone, email, or address below.
~ ResPectf~lIYtJ
1v~-f-
2615 Theresa Blanchard Lane
Austin TX 78748
.iQ.~ir Q i l((;~g]l:u!iJ. qll11
512-789-9553