Governor Rick Scott today appointed, and the Florida Cabinet approved, Noah Valenstein as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Governor Scott said, “Throughout his entire career, Noah has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to protecting our state’s incredible and diverse natural treasures. As a native Floridian, Noah knows firsthand how important our natural resources are to our families and visitors, and he understands that we must work each day to protect our environment on behalf of our future generations. Noah has worked hard to manage and oversee a range of environmental issues over his more than 15 years of public service, and I know he will use this invaluable experience in his new role as DEP Secretary. I am confident that Noah will continue to be a strong leader and advocate for preserving the future of our state’s beautiful and pristine environment.”
Noah has served as executive director for the Suwannee River Water Management District since 2015 where he implemented a restructuring of the agency and oversaw the protection and conservation of water and land resources across 15 counties. Noah previously served as the Policy Coordinator for Energy, Agriculture and Environment in the Executive Office of the Governor from 2012 through 2015. Noah also previously served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Everglades Foundation and worked in the Legislative Affairs Office for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida State University.
appointment
Gov. Scott Appoints State Rep. Eric J. Eisnaugle to Fifth District Court of Appeal
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of State Representative Eric J. Eisnaugle to the Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Eisnaugle, 40, of Windermere, currently serves as State Representative for District 44 in the Florida House of Representatives, and is Of Counsel at Rumberger Kirk and Caldwell. He previously served as State Representative for District 40 from 2008 to 2012; was Of Counsel with Thorne and Storey, P.A.; and was an associate at Foley and Lardner, LLP. He received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College and a law degree from Vanderbilt University. Eisnaugle fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge C. Alan Lawson to the Florida Supreme Court.
Gov. Scott Appoints One to Indian River County Hospital District
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Tracey Zudans to the Indian River County Hospital District.
Tracey Zudans, 46, of Indian River, is local volunteer and philanthropist. Zudans received her bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Florida. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 5, 2017, and ending December 31, 2018.
Gov. Scott appoints Steven A. Wellins to North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Steven A. Wellins to the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
Steven A. Wellins, 50, of Fort Lauderdale, is the senior vice president of investments for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Wellins received his bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in economics from Florida State University. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 17, 2017, and ending June 29, 2017.
Gov. Scott appoints Judge Jason Emilios Dimitris to Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court
Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Judge Jason Emilios Dimitris to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.
Dimitris, 46, of Coral Gables, has served as a County Judge for Dade County since 2013. Previously, he served as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Management Services and Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Children and Families. Dimitris has prior experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, and Assistant State Attorney. He received a bachelor’s degree from Rollins College and a law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Dimitris fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Victoria R. Brennan.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Christopher Joson as a Special Officer of CSX Transportation
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Christopher Joson as a Special Officer of CSX Transportation.
Joson, 35, of Fleming Island, currently serves as a Special Agent with the CSX Transportation Police, and previously served as a Police Officer with the Palatka County Sheriff’s Office. Joson received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. He is appointed to a vacant seat for a term beginning on April 10, 2017, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
Governor Rick Scott reappoints Paul Wilson to Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys
Governor Rick Scott announced today the reappointment of Paul Wilson to the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys.
Wilson, 38, of Miami Gardens, is the Administrative Director for the Miami Dade County Public School system. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Florida A & M University and a Master’s degree from Florida International University. He is reappointed for a term beginning April 7, 2017, and ending January 1, 2021.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Sara Gaver to the Florida Rehabilitation Council
Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of Sara Gaver to the Florida Rehabilitation Council.
Gaver, 23, of Jacksonville, is a current member of the Florida Independent Living Council and former Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. Gaver fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 7, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints One to Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of Ronald Lieberman to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Lieberman, 70, of Ocala, is the president of Steel Structures of Florida, Inc. He succeeds Leonard Tylka and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Gov. Scott Announces Appointment of Erin Rock as DMS Interim Secretary
Governor Rick Scott today announced Erin Rock, who currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Department of Management Services (DMS), will serve as DMS Interim Secretary beginning on March 31st.
Governor Scott said, “Erin has dedicated her career to serving our state and Florida families for more than a decade. As a member of the senior leadership team at DMS, Erin has played an integral role in managing the daily operations of DMS and keeping the cost of government down for taxpayers. I am confident she will continue her great work as Interim Secretary.”
Erin Rock has served in her current position as Chief of Staff since May 2016. Prior to this role, Erin served as Deputy Secretary for Business Operations from 2015 to 2016. She has served in various leadership roles in Florida state government since 2003. Erin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of North Florida.
