Mike Craney has been named general manager of GCE Designs – a new business venture from Global Connections to Employment (GCE) offering custom apparel, embroidery and promotional products nationwide and creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities in Pensacola.
Craney is a seasoned executive with deep roots in Pensacola and more than 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and business development. Throughout his career, Craney has earned national recognition for his leadership, including multiple American Advertising ADDY awards, as well as honors for digital media innovation and sales excellence. In addition to being a faculty member at Pensacola State College, he has also been heavily involved in the community and served on numerous community boards, including the American Advertising Federation Pensacola Chapter, East Hill Christian School Board of Directors, the USO Advisory Committee, the Pensacola Catholic High School Advisory Committee, the Escambia County School District’s Multimedia Advisory Council, Leadership Pensacola and the Pensacola State College Foundation Board of Governors. 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 Dwight Davis, president of GCE. “His strong ties to the Pensacola community and proven leadership, combined with expertise in branding, program implementation, and team development make him uniquely qualified to lead GCE Designs as we launch a business that blends purpose, creativity, and opportunity.”
GCE Designs is set to open a physical location in Pensacola in early 2026, serving as the hub for a new mission-driven business that serves customers nationwide through a network of nonprofit partners. 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.
Headquartered in Pensacola since 1986, Global Connections to Employment (GCE) is one of the nation’s largest employers of people with disabilities. Today, GCE operates contracts in 14 states plus Washington, D.C.
The GCE Design 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.