Empowering neurodivergent talent through creative work

Pensacola, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2025) – Global Connections to Employment (GCE), one of the nation’s largest employers of people with disabilities, is proud to announce the launch of GCE Designs, a new line of business offering branded apparel, embroidery and promotional items.

GCE Designs is set to open a physical location in Pensacola, Florida, in spring 2026 but will serve customers nationwide through its network of nonprofit partners. GCE employs more than 1,700 team members and operates contracts in 14 states plus Washington, D.C.

Building on GCE’s decades of experience connecting people with disabilities to fulfilling careers, the new venture will offer high-quality branded merchandise while fostering a workplace culture that supports skill-building, career advancement, and personal development for people with disabilities.

“With the launch of GCE Designs, we’re expanding on our mission by creating a space where creativity meets purpose—where individuals of all abilities can thrive, contribute, and grow,” said Dwight Davis, president of GCE. “With nearly four decades of experience connecting people with disabilities to meaningful careers and many awards for performance excellence, GCE is uniquely positioned to lead this new venture and deliver both impact and quality service.”

GCE Designs is being developed in collaboration with Spectrum Designs, a brand and merchandise company with locations in Long Island and Westchester, NY. GCE Designs marks Spectrum Design’ first strategic partnership. Nearly 70% of Spectrum Designs staff members are on the autism spectrum, at every level of the organization, producing branded merchandise for clients ranging from local nonprofits to global names, including Google, J.P. Morgan Chase, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, J.Crew, Dell, Marriott, and T.J. Maxx. Spectrum Designs has been nationally spotlighted on The Kelly Clarkson Show, ranked among the PPAI 100 global promotional product companies and earned the Sustainable Green Printing certification — one of only two apparel companies in the U.S. to achieve this distinction.

“With the launch of GCE Designs, we are not just opening a new facility—we are expanding a proven pathway to meaningful employment and inclusion that transforms lives, amplifying our efforts to shatter misconceptions about the capabilities of neurodivergent individuals,” said Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder & CEO of Spectrum Designs. “I am incredibly proud of this milestone. This is the first time our model has been adopted beyond New York, and we couldn’t imagine a stronger partner than GCE to bring it to scale.”

The new business venture will be led by Mike Craney, who has been appointed General Manager of GCE Designs. Craney brings more than 30 years of executive-level experience in business development, marketing and advertising to the role. Throughout his career, Craney has led high-performing teams and driven strategic growth across industries including advertising, technology, and digital media platforms. His leadership has resulted in national recognition, including multiple American Advertising ADDY awards as well as honors for digital media innovation and sales excellence. Craney is a graduate of Auburn University with a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

“Mike is known for his results-driven approach, creative vision, and ability to build and scale operations from the ground up,” said Davis. “His expertise in branding, program implementation, and team development makes him uniquely qualified to lead GCE Designs as it launches a mission-driven business focused on custom merchandise and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”

The GCE Designs office is scheduled to open in Pensacola in early 2026. To learn more about available products and services, visit GCEdesigns.org or follow “GCE Designs” on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

Explore GCE’s job opportunities and success stories on contract sites across 14 states and Washington, D.C., at gce.org.

For more information about Spectrum Designs, visit spectrumdesigns.org.

About Global Connections to Employment

Global Connections to Employment (GCE) is one of the country’s largest private employers of people with disabilities, including our war-wounded veterans. Since its establishment in 1986, GCE has helped match team members to fulfilling careers, from custodial services to facilities maintenance and food services, plus information technology and contact center support. Working with customers from the U.S. military, commercial business and community partners – as well as federal, state and local governments – GCE operates in 14 states plus Washington, D.C. Learn more at GCE.org.

About Spectrum Designs

Spectrum Designs is a nonprofit custom apparel and promotional products company committed to creating employment and vocational training opportunities for autistic adults and those with other disabilities. Nearly 70% of its workforce is on the autism spectrum, and as a nonprofit, every purchase supports expanding inclusive employment. Since 2011, Spectrum has grown from a backyard startup into a nationally recognized enterprise

employing more than 80 individuals across Port Washington and Pleasantville, NY, redefining inclusion in the workplace and challenging outdated notions about disability and work. For more information, visit www.spectrumdesigns.org.