About Us
Administration
Meet Our Administrative Staff
DAVID H. WEISMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Weisman has been a recreational diver since 1967. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and majored in environmental science. He holds a USCG operator’s license and has extensive experience in offshore sailing/racing; Mr. Weisman served as navigator for the Halifax/Bermuda race and skippered the Bonzo Voyager in numerous sailing competitions. Mr. Weisman has operated successful maritime businesses and sold his interests to a publicly traded company. Mr. Weisman oversees the operation, administration, curriculum and content of Commercial Diving Academy, maintaining the Academy’s reputation as an innovative learning facility, consistently providing the Commercial Diving Industry with the most qualified, well trained graduates.
ALLEN G. GARBER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
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Mr. Garber has been a recreational diver since 1974 and has dived in such places as the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, St. Martin and the Great Barrier Reef. He holds a BBA
from the University of Massachusetts in Marketing with a minor in Civil Engineering. He also holds a USCG operator’s license and has sailed both offshore and competitively. Mr. Garber has been involved in the marine industry for the past nine years and most recently was the Brand Manager & National Sales Manager for a major manufacturer of offshore recreational boats. Mr. Garber is the Business Development Director and is responsible for all the Marketing, Recruiting and Promotion of the Academy.
LAUREN B. IMHULSE, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID
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Mrs. Imhulse has been a recreational diver since 1998 and has been diving throughout Florida and the Bahamas. She graduated from the University of Florida and majored in Marketing. She was a student assistant in the Accounting and Financial Aid departments and worked in the mortgage industry as a Loan Officer. She currently serves as the Director of Financial Aid, handling all aspects of student financing and enrollment. She contributes to marketing and recruiting and assists with developing and managing the website.
AMBER JAXON, COMPTROLLER
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Ms. Jaxon brings several years of bookkeeping experience to CDA. She is currently enrolled in accounting classes at a local college. She maintains all student accounts, ledgers and records. Her duties also comprise compliance with State and Federal accrediting agencies.
WARREN "DUSTY" HARRISON, ADMISSIONS
Mr. Harrison attended the Citadel and served in the USMC. Dusty has expertise with heavy equipment, marine hydraulics and diesel engine maintenance and repair. He is experienced in tugboat operations, towing and boat handling. Mr. Harrison is the Admissions Representative for the Air/Mixed Gas Commercial Diving Program.
KATHY NICHOLS, REGISTRAR
Mrs. Nichols began her career in the automotive industry in 1979. She made the transition to the boating industry the following year and has experience in parts, accounts receivable and payable, titles, warranties, finance, inventory control, and sales. She has worked for all of the major boating retailers in the area and was recruited to CDA in January of 2010. She currently serves as the Registrar, handling all student files, grades, attendance, transcripts and diplomas.
DREW DUFFY, ADMISSIONS
Mr. Duffy is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving for nine years as a helicopter crew chief, flight instructor and trainer. Over the last 14 years, he has worked for post-secondary educational institutions & regional workforce development organizations. He has held assorted positions such as Business Office Manager, Corporate Trainer, Employment Specialist, Employer Liaison and Director of Graduate Services. He is a member of the American Welding Society and an active player in the Northeast Florida Section. Drew was recruited to CDA because of his welding industry and educational experience and is currently the Admissions Specialist for the Maritime Welding Program. His duties include recruiting and placement assistance.
HEATHER HODGES, FINANCIAL AID ADMINISTRATOR
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Ms. Hodges is originally from Greenville, South Carolina. She graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor’s degree in math, where she ran cross country all four years, and received a Master’s degree from Clemson University in math. Ms. Hodges brings experience as a math teacher and financial aid processor to CDA as the Financial Aid Administrator.
FRANCOIS PELLETIER, STORE MANAGER
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Mr. Pelletier is a Veteran of the U.S. Army. At the age of 26, he had his own contracting firm and concrete company. After ten years in the housing business, he decided to get involved with racing and the marketing of racing teams. He joined Team Scuba and is helping to pave their way into NASCAR. In August of 2011, he joined CDA with multiple responsibilities, including working with diving students with their equipment. Mr. Pelletier also functions as NASE Worldwide’s Process Coordinator and in the near future will be developing the ScubaLife business model.
RICK JOLLY, MANAGER OF THE DEEP WATER TRAINING CENTER
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Mr. Jolly attended Memphis State University. He is a US Army Veteran and a native of Arkansas. He has held licenses in real estate in several states and has held management positions in the RV and marine industries. Mr. Jolly has also lived and worked in several foreign countries. Mr. Jolly is currently the Manager of the Deep Water Training Center in Ocala, Florida.
SHARI WEISMAN, NASE MANAGER OF MEMBER SERVICES
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Ms. Weisman graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in education. After teaching for a year in Japan, she spent 3 years as CDA’s Registrar. She now serves as the NASE Manager of Member Services and was open-water certified in 2009. Ms. Weisman coordinates NASE membership, as well as teaches Employability, Resume Writing and Communications Skills.
