Governor Crist Appoints Charlie Liem as Secretary of Department of Business and Professional Regulation
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Charlie Liem as Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. He has served as the agency’s Interim Secretary since November 2009, and previously as chief of staff since January 2007.
“For more than two decades, Charlie has gained extensive knowledge and understanding of Florida’s legislative process and state government, as well as work to identify strategies for improving services to the people of Florida,” Governor Crist said. “His proven leadership has benefited businesses throughout our state, and I am confident his expertise will continue to help our businesses and economy thrive.”
Charlie Liem, 62, has nearly 40 years management experience, 25 of those years serving the state of Florida as staff in the executive branch, as well as both chambers of the Legislature. He has worked as an executive manager in both the Florida Medicaid program and the Department of Elder Affairs, and he has served as the Governor’s policy and budget coordinator for health and human services programs. He has been a staff director and analyst in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate. A Pensacola native, he worked with various community social-services agencies in Colorado from 1970 to 1985, before returning to Florida. He is a graduate of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
The mission of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is to ensure that business, industry and commerce are regulated in such a way that the best quality of service is provided to Floridians and visitors. The agency is responsible for licensing and regulating approximately one million businesses and professionals, including 19 professions ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants, to contractors and cosmetologists. Within the department are the Divisions of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Hotels and Restaurants, and Land Sales and Condominiums.
