Cleatous Simmons

Cleatous Simmons has over 33 years of expertise as an attorney which is enhanced by his years of experience in leadership, management, communication, team building, and a wide spectrum of other business applications. He holds a JD from Vanderbilt University – School of Law, a MS in Engineering Metallurgy from the University of Michigan and a BS in Engineering Science from the United States Air Academy. As Senior Vice President and General Counsel for SunGard Higher Education for over 7 years, Mr. Simmons was primarily responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the Company. Formerly a Partner with Lowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & Reed, PA, Mr. Simmons specialized in information technology, business contract, commercial real estate and environmental law; and was responsible for managing three teams of 15 attorneys and 25 legal staff personnel. Over the years, Mr. Simmons has represented numerous software and computer service clients and has negotiated over one-hundred software license agreements and outsourcing agreements; including successfully negotiating a $100 million plus outsourcing agreement for all the data processing of a major insurance company re-engineering its business processes Mr. Simmons has continuously contributed his time and skills to work for the improvement of his community. Activities have included involvement in the Winter Park Environmental Review Board and Leadership Winter Park. He was also a member of the school board for The First Academy and The Master’s Academy. He has taught as an Assistant Professor in the Engineering Mechanics and Materials Department at the United States Air Force Academy for three years and as an Adjunct Professor, Business Law, University of Central Florida and as an Adjunct Professor, Environmental Ethics, Rollins College.