Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Alfred “Mac” McNeill as interim Sheriff of Jefferson County upon the passing of Sheriff Hobbs for a term beginning November 30, 2017, and ending November 13, 2018.
Governor Scott said, “Sheriff David Hobbs dedicated his life to serving our country in the military and the families of Jefferson County as Sheriff. We are grateful for his service and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his loved ones during this difficult time. Today, I am proud to appoint Mac McNeill, a military veteran with 20 years of law enforcement experience, to serve as Jefferson County Sheriff. I am confident that Mac will serve and protect the families of Jefferson County exceptionally and with the utmost integrity.”
Mac McNeill, 46, served with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as supervisor of protection detail for Governor Scott, Governor Crist, and Governor Bush. Prior to this role, McNeill served in the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office from 1997 to 2004 in various roles, including on the office’s SWAT team. McNeill received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
appointment
Governor Scott to Announce Appointment of Hillsborough County Sheriff
MEDIA ADVISORY
Today, August 31st, Governor Rick Scott will announce his appointment for Hillsborough County Sheriff following Sheriff David Gee’s retirement.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 4:15 PM
WHERE: Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay
Freddie Solomon Club at Nuccio Park
4805 East Sligh Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33610
Gov. Scott Appoints Judge Lourdes Simon to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Judge Lourdes Simon to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.
Simon, 49, of Miami, is currently a county judge for Dade County. She previously served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, and law degree from Nova Southeastern University School of Law. Simon fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Robert Luck to the Third District Court of Appeal.
President Negron Appoints Ken Kahn to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors
Florida Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) today announced the appointment of Ken Kahn to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors. Mr. Kahn’s appointment begins immediately and expires on July 5, 2021.
“Ken understands firsthand the opportunities available to businesses seeking to locate or expand here in Florida,” said President Negron. “He has a strong educational background and the diverse business and community service experiences needed to excel in this position. I am confident Ken will be a strong advocate for Florida businesses, and I am grateful that he has agreed to join the Enterprise Florida Team in this important capacity.”
Mr. Kahn is the President of LRP Publications, a legal and professional publishing company. An active member of his community, Mr. Kahn serves on the Palm Beach County Education Commission and the Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness. He also serves on the executive committees of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and Kravis Center Corporate Partners. He is an active member of the Florida Council of 100.
Mr. Kahn graduated from Cornell University and Harvard Law School. He has five children and currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens with his wife and two daughters.
Gov. Scott Announces Appointment of Jim Poppell as Secretary of the Florida Lottery
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jim Poppell as secretary of the Florida Lottery. Poppell will assume the role of secretary beginning July 10th. Secretary Tom Delacenserie left the Florida Lottery on June 2nd to pursue a new position in Kentucky. David Mica, who has served as chief of staff since 2016, has been the interim secretary at Florida Lottery.
Governor Scott said, “During his time at DEO, Jim has helped provide Florida families and businesses with the support they need to succeed. I am confident that Jim will continue the Lottery’s focus on fighting for students and achieving record sales to invest in our education system. I look forward to working with him to further support Florida students.”
Jim Poppell currently serves as Chief of Staff at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and previously served as DEO’s General Counsel. He has also held leadership positions at NextEra Energy, Inc. from 2008-2010 and Florida Power & Light Company from 2006-2008. Poppell also previously served as a minister for 21 years. Poppell received his bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College, his master’s degree from Spring Arbor University and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
Gov. Scott Announces Appointment of Secretary of the Fla Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jonathan Zachem as secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Matilde Miller has been serving as interim secretary of DBPR since January and she has accepted the role of Vice President of Compliance with VISIT FLORIDA.
Governor Scott said, “DBPR is often on the frontlines of supporting new and existing businesses across our state. With his leadership experience at DBPR, Jonathan understands the importance of reducing burdensome regulations while helping our job creators and families. I know that Jonathan will be a great leader as we continue to work together to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation. I appreciate Matilde Miller’s service to the State of Florida and her dedication to our mission of growing jobs for our families.”
Jonathan Zachem currently serves as the deputy secretary for DBPR and previously served as chief attorney and then director of DBPR’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.Prior to that, Zachem served in the Prosecution Services Unit (PSU) for the Florida Department of Health. Zachem received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, his master’s degree from the University of South Florida and his law degree from the Barry University School of Law.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer
Governor Rick Scott appointed Jimmy Patronis as Florida’ next Chief Financial Officer. Patronis will be officially sworn in this Friday, June 30, 2017, to replace CFO Jeff Atwater who is leaving to pursue a position at Florida Atlantic University. The swearing in ceremony will be in Tallahassee and more details will be released later this week. The Governor made the announcement at Captain Anderson’s restaurant, which is owned and operated by the Patronis family.
Governor Scott said, “I am honored to appoint Jimmy Patronis as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer. As a small business owner, Jimmy has been a successful job creator and has helped grow Panama City’s economy. I know that he will bring his wealth of private sector experience with him to Tallahassee.
“Jimmy faithfully served Floridians in the Florida House of Representatives for four terms, and I was proud to appoint him to both the Constitution Revision Commission and the Public Service Commission. In each of these roles, Jimmy always put Florida families first. I am confident that he will add to our mission to cut even more taxes and create even more jobs.”
“I would like to thank Jeff Atwater for his service to families and for his stewardship of tax dollars. I will miss working with Jeff, and I wish him the best as he continues to work to benefit Floridians.”
CFO Appointee Jimmy Patronis said, “I am honored to be appointed as Florida’s next CFO. I would like to thank Governor Scott, and I look forward to continuing his legacy of job growth and economic prosperity for our state. This year marks the 50th anniversary of my family starting a business in Florida, and it has been my honor to be a part of its growth and success for much of my life. I want every family in Florida to have the same opportunities that my family had. As Florida’s next CFO, I want Florida to be the place where government does its job fairly and predictably so workers can find great jobs at great businesses.”
Jimmy Patronis was born and raised in Panama City, Florida. He has helped run and operate Captain Anderson’s restaurant in Bay County for nearly his entire life. Jimmy served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives beginning in 2006. He was appointed to both the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the Public Service Commission by Governor Scott. Jimmy attended Gulf State College and Florida State University.
Gov. Scott Appoints Michael J. Dew as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Michael J. Dew as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) effective June 5, 2017.
Governor Scott said, “For six years, Mike has been an integral part of my administration in the Executive Office of the Governor, Florida Department of Corrections and most recently the Florida Department of Transportation. Mike’s hard work and leadership over these years is a testament to his commitment to improve the lives of Florida families. During his time as Chief of Staff of the FDOT, we’ve made great strides thanks to a commitment to excellence in infrastructure and historic transportation funding. Florida’s world-class transportation system is an engine for economic growth and job creation and I know Mike is absolutely committed to continuing our great work.”
Mike Dew said, “It is an honor to be appointed as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. Florida is the fastest growing state in the nation and Governor Scott’s continued focus on our transportation infrastructure is vital not only to our growing population, but to Florida’s booming economy. I look forward to continuing the great work of FDOT and cementing our state as a leader in transportation.”
Mike Dew has served as Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Transportation since January 2015. Previously, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Corrections from 2012 – 2014, and as Director of External Affairs for Governor Scott from 2011-2012. Mike received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University.
The Florida Transportation Commission identified three candidates to serve as secretary and presented those recommendations to the Governor on May 17, 2017.
Governor Scott Appoints Judge Norma S. Lindsey to Third District Court of Appeal
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Norma S. Lindsey to the Third District Court of Appeal.
Lindsey, 52, of Miami, is currently a Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and previously served as a County Judge for Miami-Dade County. She received a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and a law degree from the University of Miami. Lindsey fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Linda Ann Wells.
Gov. Scott Appoints John Tupps as Communications Director
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of John Tupps as Communications Director in the Governor’s Office beginning June 5th.
Governor Scott said, “John has demonstrated an incredible commitment to supporting our mission of making Florida the top destination for businesses, families and visitors. He has been a part of my administration since my first year in office and over the past six years, he has worked tirelessly to serve our state. I know John will use this experience and dedication each day to lead my communications efforts as we continue to fight for Florida jobs.”
Tupps is currently the Vice President of Government Relations for VISIT FLORIDA and previously served as deputy chief of staff at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission where he focused on conveying those organizations’ priorities to both the public and news media. Tupps previously worked in various roles in the Governor’s Press Office from 2011 to 2016, including deputy press secretary, press secretary and then deputy director of communications. Tupps also previously worked as a radio producer for South Central Radio Group in Knoxville, Tennessee. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee.
