Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the following appointments and reappointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions.
Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission
Cynthia G. Angelos, of Port St. Lucie, is currently the principal of Cynthia G. Angelos, P.A. Before resuming her practice in 2005, she was a Circuit Court Judge for eleven years in the 19th Judicial Circuit and was elected by her colleagues to serve as the Chief Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit in 2003. She received her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and her law degree from George Mason University. Angelos is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Hala A. Sandridge, of Tampa, is a shareholder with Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, PC where, as a board-certified appellate practitioner, she chairs the firm’s Appellate Practice Group. Sandridge received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Florida State University. Sandridge is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Fred E. Karlinsky, of Ft. Lauderdale, is a shareholder with Greenberg Traurig. Karlinsky is Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group. He previously served as the Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Executive Director of the Florida Residential Property & Casualty Joint Underwriting Association. Karlinsky received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his law degree from Florida State University. Karlinsky is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
First District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission
Mohammad O. Jazil, of Tallahassee, is a shareholder with Hopping, Green & Sams. He received two bachelor’s degrees and his law degree from the University of Florida. Jazil is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Richard E. Doran, of Tallahassee, is a shareholder with Ausley & McMullen, P.A. Doran previously served as Florida’s Attorney General and as General Counsel to the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Doran received his bachelor’s degree from Bethany College and his law degree from Stetson University. Doran is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Benjamin J. Gibson, of Tallahassee, is a partner with Shutts & Bowen, LLP where he is a member of the Business Litigation practice group. Gibson received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida State University. Gibson is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Third District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission
Harout Samra, of Miami, is board certified in international law and is an attorney with DLA Piper. Samra received his bachelor’s degree, his master’s degree, and his law degree from the University of Miami. Samra is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Eric A. Hernandez, of Miami, is a partner with Hernandez Lee Martinez, LLC. Hernandez received his bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College and his law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Hernandez is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Adam Foslid, of Coral Gables, is a principal shareholder with Greenberg Traurig. Foslid received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree and master of laws degree from the George Washington University. Foslid is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2020.
Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission
D. David Keller, of Plantation, is a partner with Keller Landsberg, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree, his master’s degree, and his law degree from Stetson University. Keller is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Mark Miller, of Palm City, is board certified in appellate practice and is a Managing Attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation. He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida. Miller is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Rian Balfour, of Plantation, is Deputy General Counsel and Vice President at Envision Physician Services. She received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, law degree from Duke University and master of business administration from the University of Florida. Balfour is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Fifth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission
Vincent A. Citro, of Maitland, is a partner with Horwitz & Citro, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree, his master’s degree and his law degree from Stetson University. Citro is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
R. David de Armas, of Orlando, is a shareholder with Cramer, Price & de Armas. De Armas received his bachelor’s degree from Furman University and his law degree from Florida State University. De Armas is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Andy Bardos, of Melbourne, is a shareholder with Gray Robinson. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his law degree and his master of laws degree from the University of Florida. Bardos is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
First Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Kristin D. Haul, of Pensacola, is an Assistant County Attorney at the Escambia County Attorney’s Office. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and her law degree from Florida State University. Haul is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Dana C. Matthews, of Santa Rosa Beach, is a partner with Matthew & Jones, LLP. Matthews received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from Florida State University. Matthews is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Second Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Hayden R. Dempsey, of Tallahassee, is a shareholder with Greenberg Traurig where he is chair of the Florida Government Law & Policy Practice. Dempsey received his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and his law degree from Nova Southeastern University. He is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Erik M. “Rick” Figlio, of Tallahassee, Figlio is a shareholder with Ausley & McMullen, P.A. He received a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and his law degree from the University of Georgia. Figlio is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Darrick McGhee, of Tallahassee, is Vice President of Government Relations at Johnson & Blanton. McGhee received his bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University. He is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Third Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Cary D. Carmichael, Jr., of Lake City, is the Managing Shareholder of Carmichael Law, PLLC. Carmichael received his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University, his master’s degree from Valdosta State University and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. He is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Adam Morrison, of Live Oak, is an attorney at Sellers, Taylor & Morrison, P.A. Morrison received his bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and his law degree from Florida State University. Morrison is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Tisheena H. Rickerson, of Jasper, is an Assistant State Attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit. Rickerson received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida and her law degree from the Florida Coastal School of Law. Rickerson is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
John J. Joyce of Live Oak, is a partner with Robinson, Kennon and Kendron. He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida. Joyce is appointed for a term ending on July 1, 2019.
Fourth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Henry G. “Chip” Bachara, Jr., is board certified in construction law and the managing partner of Bachara Construction Law Group. Bachara received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Mercer University. Bachara is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Courtney K. Grimm, of Green Cove Springs, is the County Attorney for Clay County. Grimm received her bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College and her law degree from the University of Florida. Grimm is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Karen Bowling, of Jacksonville Beach, is President of Thrive Consulting, LLC. Bowling received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. Bowling is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Helen Peacock Roberson, of Jacksonville, is a partner with Tanner Bishop. Roberson received her bachelor’s degree and her law degree from the University of Florida. Roberson is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2019.
Fifth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Charles K. Ruse, Jr., of Ocala, is the owner of Ruse Law. He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida. Ruse is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Dusty L .Twyman-Morey, of Clermont, is a partner with Rohe Twyman, P.A. Twyman-Morey received her bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University and her law degree from Emory University. She is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Anita Geraci-Carver, of Clermont, is the owner of the Law Office of Anita Geraci-Carver, P.A. She received her bachelor’s degree and her law degree from the University of Miami. Geraci-Carver is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Sixth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Jamie R. Girgenti, of Clearwater, is an attorney with Koch & Hoffman, PA. She received her bachelor’s degree and her law degree from the University of Florida. Girgenti is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Elizabeth M. Jack, of Clearwater, is an assistant state attorney with the Office of the State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston College and her law degree from the University of Chicago. Jack is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Ian R. Leavengood, of St. Petersburg, is the founder of Leaven Law. He received his bachelor’s degree, his master’s degree, and his law degree from the University of Florida. Leavengood is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Seventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Raven E. Sword, of Palm Coast, is a partner at Livingston & Sword, P.A. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and her law degree from George Washington University. Sword is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Andrew Morgan, of St. Augustine, is an equity partner with Canan Law. Morgan received his bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College, his master’s degree from Winthrop University, and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. He is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
L. Charlene Matthews of Daytona Beach, is a senior attorney with the State of Florida Office of the Attorney General’s Office. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and her law degree from the University of Florida. Matthews is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Eighth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Candice K. Brower, of Gainesville, is board certified in juvenile law and is the Regional Counsel for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel for the First District Court of Appeal region. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Brower is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Norm D. Fugate, of Williston, is president of Norm D. Fugate, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida. Fugate is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Tenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Patrice F. Behnstedt, of Bartow, is an assistant public defender with the Office of the Public Defender for the Tenth Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College, her master’s from the University of South Florida and her law degree from the University of Miam. Behnstedt is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Timothy J. McCausland, of Lakeland, is the city attorney for the City of Lakeland. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and his law degree from Florida State University. McCausland is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Krista Mahalak, of Winter Haven, is an attorney with Sharit, Bunn & Chilton, P.A. She received her bachelor’s degree from Bethany College and her law degree from the University of Nebraska. She is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2019.
E. Blake Paul, of Lakeland, in a shareholder with Peterson & Myers. Paul received his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and his law degree from Florida State University. Paul is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Scott Dimond, of Miami, is a shareholder with Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from Columbia University. Dimond is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Jorge A. Mestre, of Coral Gables, is partner with Rivero Mestre LLP. He received his bachelor’s degree from Catholic University of America, his law degree from Florida State University and his master of laws degree from Georgetown University. Mestre is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Robert H. Fernandez, of Miami, is a shareholder with Gunster. He received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and his law degree from New York University. He is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Hunter G. Norton, of Bradenton, is board certified in business litigation and a partner with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. He received his bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College and his law degree from the University of Miami. Norton is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Varinia Van Ness, of Bradenton, is the owner of Van Ness Law Group, P.A. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Stetson University. Van Ness is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Patrick Neal, of Bradenton, is the founder of Neal Communities. Neal received his bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. Neal is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
J. Carter Andersen, of Tampa, is a shareholder with Bush Ross, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida. Andersen is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Christine L. Derr, of Tampa, is board certified in marital and family law and practices with Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and her law degree from the University of Florida. Derr is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Thomas Newcomb Hyde, of Tampa, is a solo practitioner. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Seminary of St. Vincent De Paul, his master’s degree from South Carolina State University, and his law degree from the University of Miami. Hyde is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Fourteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
John J. Maceluch, Jr., of Panama City, is an assistant state attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Loyola University. Maceluch is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Robert D. Sale, of Panama City, is the principal of Sale Law Firm, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from Washington & Lee University and his law degree from Stetson University. Sale is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
J. Adam Albritton, of Panama City, is the owner of J. Adam Albritton, Esq. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. Albritton is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Fifteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Adam Weisholtz, of Boca Raton, is Assistant Chief Counsel with the U.S Department of Homeland Security. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Nova Southeastern University. He is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Roget V. Bryan, of Tavernier, is board certified in City, County & Local Government Law and is the Village Attorney for Islamorada, Village of Islands. He received his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and his master’s degree and his law degree from Florida State University. Bryan is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Timothy Thomes, of Key Largo, is a shareholder with Gunster. He received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree from the College of William and Mary. Thomes is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
George Wallace, of Key West, is an assistant city attorney for the City of Key West. He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida. He is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Eighteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Donna Valin, of Winter Park, is the Economic Crimes Central Florida Bureau Chief for the State of Florida Office of the Attorney General. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and her law degree from Indiana University. She is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Nineteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Barbara A. Kreitz Cook, of Stuart, is board certified in maritime law and is the owner of Barb Cook Law PLLC. She received her bachelor’s degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, her master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and her law degree from the University of Miami. Cook is reappointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
Robert V. Schwerer, is the managing shareholder with Hayskar, Walker, Schwerer Dundas & McCain, PA. He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida. Schwerer is appointed from a list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2022.
