Jim Whittaker is the former President/CEO of The Arc Jacksonville and has held this leadership role since 1999. Prior to joining The Arc Jacksonville, Jim held the position of Executive Director of The Arc of Putnam County since 1975. Under his leadership, he has developed many prototype community-based programs, services, and support systems for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Jim’s most recent innovations includes the development of The Arc Jacksonville Village, an affordable rental housing community for individuals with IDD that focuses on independence, employment, and participation in the broader community. In addition, new community homes have been developed, featuring state-of-the-art accessibility and safety features. The Arc Jacksonville recently launched a new five-year initiative which focuses on the re-design of day training services, expanded employment options, community inclusion opportunities, and best practices.

Jim provides consulting services nationally for the development of quality inclusive housing options and actively promotes community-based employment and individual and family choice. Jim is actively involved in local, state, and national organizations, which include the Arc of Florida and Together for Choice, and is engaged in legislation at all levels of government that affects individuals with IDD. His commitment to the special needs population stems from the connection to his mother who was a teacher in a South Florida state institution for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences during an era when community-based services for those with disabilities were not available. Jim is a graduate of the University of Florida.