BAE release – Bay Area Enterprises (BAE) announced that Mr. Drew Farmer will be taking over as the director following the departure of Dr. John Bacon. Drew is currently a member of the Coos Bay City Council. Drew holds a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University in Sociology and has spent the past two years serving persons with mental illness by assisting them in obtaining competitive employment in our community and by helping them navigate the Social Security and other public benefit systems. Beginning May 7th, Mr. Farmer will be responsible for managing the 67-person non-profit organization. Bay Area Enterprises is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve maximum independence by developing their abilities to find inclusive, meaningful employment. Since 1986, BAE has helped people with disabilities become self-sufficient by providing job training as well as work skill development and employment. This goal has been achieved by collaboration with local business, state agencies, and the community at large. Farmer stated, “It’s an honor to have been selected for this position; I am looking forward to building on BAE’s history of success in helping persons with disabilities achieve maximum independence and find purpose in our community.” Jessica Engelke, Co-Chairperson of the BAE Board of Directors is excited for Drew to lead the organization stating she is, “thrilled to welcome aboard Drew Farmer. He has a proven track record of being invested in our community and will do an excellent job of carrying out the mission of BAE.” Director of Special Education for the North Bend School District and Co-Chairperson of BAE, Allyson McNeill said of Farmer, “I believe that Drew has good experience with building relationships with community partners, compassion for individuals with disabilities, and demonstrates a passion about increasing employment opportunities for all. He is driven, articulate, and enthusiastic about the endeavors of BAE.”
