COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE ALLIANCE, INC.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Community Excellence Alliance, Inc. (CEA) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Jacksonville, Florida, dedicated to fostering continuous improvement solutions for community betterment. CEA engages local area non-profits and invites them to present their business or operational challenges. These are transformed into structured 16-week projects, executed by college-level student teams hailing from disciplines such as Engineering and Business. The student teams receive mentorship from professional practictioners experienced in lean methodologies, flow optimization, and Six Sigma principles, ensuring real-world problem-solving skills are imparted. Additional guidance is provided by academic professionals and oversight through CEA's Governance Board. CEA offers Jacksonville community non-profits access to process improvement expertise, typically sourced from local professionals employed in sectors like banking, insurance, manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and public utilities. These seasoned full-time employees often hold Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt qualifications, contributing their skills voluntarily as mentors for CEA projects during off-work hours. The participation of the non-profit is crucial to project success; organizations are expected to appoint an executive sponsor committed to implementing improvements and a project champion responsible for collaboration with student teams. In turn, CEA provides participating organizations insights through formal analysis reports post-project completion. CEA's partners largely include community support organizations such as missions, food banks, shelters, and groups aiding the elderly, children, or those with special needs. The alliance has realized substantial impacts including enhanced non-profit capabilities and enriched real-world skill development among students preparing to enter the workforce. Headquartered at 10950-60 San Jose Blvd., #177 in Jacksonville, CEA, formed on September 20, 2012, is incorporated in Florida under filing number N12000009038. Its leadership includes President Karen Cates and Secretary Larry Arceneaux, with Michele Boutwell serving as Vice-Treasurer. For more information or to explore involvement opportunities, stakeholders can reach out via phone at (904) 288-9044 or email at [email protected].