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Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, May 15, 2017

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Gov. Scott Appoints Samuel Garrison to District
Board of Trustees, St. Johns River State College

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Samuel Garrison to the District Board of Trustees, St. Johns River State College.
Garrison, 40, of Fleming Island, is an attorney at Kopelousos, Bradley and Garrison, P.A., and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney of the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from Samford University and his law degree from the University of Illinois College Of Law. Garrison succeeds Cranford Coleman and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2018.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointments of Dr. Peter A. Wish and John Stafford to the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority.
Wish, of Sarasota, is the president of Gulfcoast Healthstyle Corp. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his Ph.D. in psychology from Boston College. Wish is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending November 17, 2020.
Stafford, of Sarasota, is a former chairman of the board for FCCI Mutual Insurance Company and previously served on the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending November 17, 2020.

Gov. Scott Appoints Two to District Board
of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Governor Rick Scott today announced one appointment and one reappointment to the District Board of Trustees, Florida State College at Jacksonville.
David “Hunt” Hawkins, 58, of Jacksonville, is the CEO of Stein Mart, Inc., and previously served as a member of the program advisory council to DECA, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and his master’s degree from the University of West Florida. Hawkins succeeds Thomas Bryan and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
Thomas “Mac” McGehee, Jr., 57, of Jacksonville, is the executive vice president at Mac Papers, Inc., and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Appoints Francisco Pines to the Florida Citrus Commission

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Francisco Pines to the Florida Citrus Commission.
Pines, 41, of Miami, is the co-owner of Pines Ranch, Inc. and a managing partner at Francisco J. Pines, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and his law degree from St. Thomas School of Law. Pines is reappointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Appoints Randy Schwartz to the Florida Real Estate Commission

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Randy Schwartz to the Florida Real Estate Commission.
Schwartz, 67, of Winter Springs, is a private practice attorney. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 15, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
 

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Wednesday, May 10, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Donna Elam to
the Florida Commission on Human Relations

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Donna Elam to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Elam, 65, of Wellington, is the president and chief executive officer for Elam Leadership Institute. She received her bachelor’s degree from York College and her master’s and doctorate degrees from New York University. Elam is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 30, 2020.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Karin Hoffman to
Board of Control for Southern Regional Education

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Karin Hoffman to the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education.
Hoffman, 51, of Lighthouse Point, is the vice president of Sonshine Educational Tours and received her bachelor’s degree from Trinity International University. She succeeds Erik Fresen and is appointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending June 30, 2020.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to
Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County

Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County.
Richard Butler, 59, of Pinellas Park, is the owner of Richard Butler Realty and currently serves as a City Councilman on the Pinellas Park City Council. He attended St. Petersburg College and is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending August 11, 2020.
James Millican, 50, of Pinellas Park, is the District Chief of Lealman Fire District of St. Petersburg. He received his EMT certification from St. Petersburg College and his Firefighter certificate from P-TECH. Chief Millican is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending August 11, 2020.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
 

Governor Rick Scott Makes Four Appointments
to West Orange Healthcare District

Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of one and the reappointment of three to the West Orange Healthcare District.
Maryke Lee, 65, of Windermere, is the dean of mathematics at Valencia College Orlando East Campus. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2020.
Rodney Talbot, 60, of Winter Garden, is the president of Talbot Asset Management. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2020.
Dr. Denise Carter, 56, of Windermere, is a physician at Florida Center for Orthopedics. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2020.
Dr. Peter Taylor, 56, of Windermere, is a cardiologist at Orlando Health Heart Institute Cardiology Group. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 10, 2017, and ending September 24, 2019.

Governor Scott Appoints Twelve to Judicial Nominating Commissions

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Governor Rick Scott today announced six reappointments and six appointments to eight Judicial Nominating Commissions.
First Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Robert “Alex” Andrade, 27, of Gulf Breeze, is an attorney with Moore, Hill & Westmoreland, P.A. He succeeds A. Benjamin Gordon and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.
Pamela Langham, 52, of Gulf Breeze, is a sole practitioner with Pamela E. Langham, P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Wanda Morgan, 51, of Baker, is a sole practitioner. She succeeds R. Todd Harris and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Third Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
James Willingham, Jr., 64, of Jasper, is a sole practitioner. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Seventh Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Katherine Miller, 35, of Daytona Beach, is an attorney with Wright & Casey, P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Tenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Richard Straughn, 58, of Winter Haven, is an attorney with Straughn & Turner, P.A. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Elba Martin, 44, of Tampa, is an Assistant Attorney General with the office of the Attorney General. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.
Fourteenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Gregory Wilson, 45, of Panama City, is the owner of Greg Wilson Law, LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Seventeenth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Kenneth Joyce, 50, of Coral Springs, is a partner with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP. He succeeds Belinda Keiser and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Christina McKinnon, 42, of Pembroke Pines, is a sole practitioner with the Law Office of Christina A. McKinnon. She succeeds Terrence O’Connor and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.
Twentieth Circuit Judicial Nomination Commission
Carlo Zampogna, 38, of Naples, is a sole practitioner at Zampogna Law. He succeeds Lisa Musial and is appointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020
Kathleen Fitzgeorge, 56, of Fort Myers, is an Assistant Public Defender with the Office of the Public Defender for the Twentieth Circuit. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 9, 2017, and ending July 1, 2020.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Monday, May 1, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Robert Arthur and
Carol Stephenson as Judges of Compensation Claims

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Robert Alan Arthur and Carol Stephenson as Judges of Compensation Claims to the Lakeland and West Palm Beach Districts, respectively.
Arthur, 49, of Brandon, served as a state mediator for the Lakeland District since 2012 and served as the state mediator for the St. Petersburg district from 2005. He was a private mediator from 2004-2005.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and law degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Arthur fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge W. James Condry, Lakeland District.
Stephenson, 64, of Boynton Beach, is Field Legal Counsel for Liberty Mutual at the Law Offices of James C. Norris.  She previously was staff council at Nationwide Insurance Company from 1989-1999.  Stephenson received a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and law degree from University of Cincinnati College of Law. Stephenson fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mary D’Ambrosio, West Palm Beach District.
 

Governor Scott Reappoints Eight Judges of Compensation Claims 

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointments of eight Judges of Compensation Claims:
Judge Wilbur Anderson, 59, of Daytona Beach Shores, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Daytona Beach District since 2013. He served as a mediator in the same district from 2011 to 2013.  From 1988 to 2003, Anderson was a Judge of Compensation Claims in the Jacksonville District. Anderson received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and law degree from George Washington University.
Judge Diane Beck, 64, of Bradenton, has been a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Sarasota District since 1995. Prior to that, she was a senior attorney for the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitations Services.  Beck was also an adjunct professor of business law at Northern State University from 1986 to 1988. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and law degree from Stetson University.
Judge Margret Kerr, 57, of South Miami, has been a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Miami District since 2013.  From 2007 to 2013, she practiced with Arrick, Peacock & Kerr. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kent, in the United Kingdom, and law degree from the University of Miami.
Judge Daniel A. Lewis, 60, of Davie, has been a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Fort Lauderdale District since 1988. Prior to that, he was in private practice. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida.
Judge Ellen H. Lorenzen, 66, of Tampa, has been a Judge of Compensation Claims for the Tampa District since 2004. Previously, she was a sole practitioner from 1998 to 2004. She received a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and law degree from Stetson University.
Judge Mark A. Massey, 53, of Tampa, has been a Judge of Compensation Claims in the Tampa District since 2013.  Previously, he was a partner at Walton, Lantaff, Schroeder & Carson, LLC, from 2004 to 2013. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida.
Stephen L. Rosen, 68, of Tampa, has been a Judge of Compensations Claims since 2009, serving the Jacksonville, Lakeland, Ft. Myers, West Palm Beach, and St. Petersburg Districts during that time.  Previously, he was an attorney in private practice at Stephen L. Rosen P.A., from 1993 to 2008.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Hamline University and law degree from South Texas College of Law.
Judge Thomas Sculco, 55, of Winter Park, has been a Judge of Compensation Claims in the Orlando District since 2005. From 1997 to 2005, he practiced with the Law Offices of John J. Pine. He received a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and law degree from Boston College.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Robert Colen to
Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc.

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Robert Colen to the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc.
Colen, 44, of Ocala, is a building contractor with On Top of the World Communities. He received his bachelor’s degree from American University and his master’s degree from the University of Florida. Colen is reappointed as the chair for a term beginning May 1, 2017, and ending April 30, 2021.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to Early
Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland, Inc.

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Charlotte Heston and the appointment of Ashley Coone to the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland, Inc.
Heston, 59, of Sebring, is the vice president of corporate services for the Peace River Electric Cooperative. She is reappointed as the Chair, for a term beginning May 1, 2017, and ending April 30, 2021.
Coone, 34, of Arcadia, serves as president of ASC Consulting and Marketing. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and master’s degree from Webster University. Coone is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning May 1, 2017, and ending April 30, 2020.

Governor Rick Scott appoints three to Lower Florida Keys Hospital District

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of two and the reappointment of one to the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District. 

Dr. Lesley Thompson, 54, of Summerland Key, is the principal director of exceptional school education for the Monroe County School District. She is reappointed for a term beginning April 14, 2017, and ending September 12, 2019. 

Daniel Coll, 58, of Key West, is a former business owner and property investor. He succeeds Phillip Pierce and is appointed for a term beginning April 14, 2017, and ending September 12, 2019.

James Muir, 61, of Little Torch Key, is a former naval officer, and is currently a pilot for FedEx. He succeeds John Padget and is appointed for a term beginning April 14, 2017, and ending September 12, 2020.

Governor Rick Scott appoints two to District Board of Trustees, Florida Keys Community College

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Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the District Board of Trustees, Florida Keys Community College.
Colonel John Domenech, 62, of Big Pine Key, is a retired senior project manager at Leidos and formerly served as a Colonel in the US Army. He received a master’s degree from the US Army War College and a master’s degree from the University of Florida. Domenech succeeds Michelle Maxwell and is appointed for a term beginning April 3, 2017, and ending May 31, 2020.
Sheldon Suga, 62, of Duck Key, is a VP Managing Director at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key and received his bachelor’s degree from Ryerson Polytechnic University. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 3, 2017, and ending May 31, 2017.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Rick Scott Appointments for Friday, March 31, 2017

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Governor Scott Appoints Andrea Watt McHugh
to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Andrea Watt McHugh to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court.
McHugh, 38, of Sarasota, has served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit since 2005, and was previously an attorney with Lobeck and Hanson, P.A. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a law degree from Florida State College of Law. McHugh fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Andrew D. Owens, Jr.
 

Governor Scott Appoints Ana Maria Garcia
to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Ana Maria Garcia to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court. 
Garcia, 39, of Marianna, is currently the Jackson County Chief Assistant State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Previously, she was in private practice with Carlton Fields, P.A., and with Moye, O’Brien, Pickert, and Dillon, LLP. She received a bachelor’s and law degree from the University of Florida. Garcia fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge William Wright.
 

Governor Scott Appoints Judge Susanne Wilson
Bullard to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court. 
Bullard, 52, of Gainesville, has served as a County Judge for Alachua County since 2014, and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. She received a bachelor’s and law degree from the University of Florida. Bullard fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Robert E. Roundtree, Jr.
 

Governor Scott Appoints Judge Tanya Davis
Wilson to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Tanya Davis Wilson to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.
Wilson, 48, of Ocoee, has served as a County Judge for Orange County since 2014. Previously, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida from 2004 to 2014. Prior to that, she served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender and as an Assistant Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor and law degrees from the University of Florida. Wilson fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Scott D. Polodna.
 

Governor Scott Appoints Anne-Leigh Gaylord
Moe to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. 
Moe, 38, of Tampa, is currently a shareholder with Bush Ross, P.A., and previously served as a federal law clerk for Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. She received a bachelor’s degree from Furman University and a law degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Moe fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Herbert J. Baumann.
 

Governor Scott Appoints Jared E. Smith to the Hillsborough County Court

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jared E. Smith to the Hillsborough County Court.
Smith, 41, of Lutz, is currently a shareholder with Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A., and previously served as a JAG Officer with the United States Air Force. He received a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University and a law degree from Washburn University School of Law. Smith fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Walter Heinrich.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints One to Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Martha Lanahan to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Lanahan, 52, of Tampa, is the executive vice president of Regions Bank. She succeeds Brian Katz and is appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Virginia Sanchez to the Governing
Board of the Suwannee River Water Management District

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Virginia Sanchez to the Governing Board of the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Sanchez, 54, of Old Town, is a co-owner of Sanchez Farms, LLC. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her master’s degree from Florida A&M University. Sanchez is reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints J.C. Stoutamire to the
Apalachee Regional Planning Council, Region Two

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of J.C. Stoutamire to the Apalachee Regional Planning Council, Region Two.
Stoutamire, 81, of Hosford, is a former papermaker for St. Joe Paper Co. Additionally, he served on the Liberty County Board of County Commissioners for eight years. Stoutamire fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending October 1, 2018.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to the Governing Board
of the St. Johns River Water Management District

Governor Rick Scott today announced one appointment and one reappointment to the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Susan Dolan, 51, of Longwood, is the director of community affairs for Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. She succeeds Maryam Ghyabi and is appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
Douglas Burnett, 72, of St. Augustine, is the president of Doug Burnett and Associates, LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Kristin Incrocci
to the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Kristin Incrocci to the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority.
Incrocci, 51, of Sarasota, is the owner and pilot of SRQ Aviation. She received her bachelor’s degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach. Incrocci fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending November 17, 2018.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Luke Buzard to Early
Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, Inc.

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Luke Buzard to the Early Learning Coalition Hillsborough County, Inc.
Buzard, 37, of Wesley Chapel, is the pipeline safety director at TECO Energy. He previously served as chair of both the Accounting Circle at University of South Florida and the West Central Region for Connect Florida. Buzard received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and is reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending April 30, 2020.
 

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Amy Gowder
to the Florida Defense Support Task Force

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Amy Gowder to the Florida Defense Support Task Force.
Gowder, 41, of Orlando, is the aerospace and defense executive for Lockheed Martin. She received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and her master’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Gowder fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2017, and ending July 1, 2019.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Two to the Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Collier County

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Governor Rick Scott announced today the reappointments of Joseph Brister and Robert Halman to the Immokalee Water and Sewer District, Collier County.
Brister, 51, of Immokalee, is the owner of Brister Funeral Home. He received his associate’s degree from St. Petersburg Junior College. Brister is reappointed for a term beginning March 27, 2017, and ending October 1, 2020.
Halman, 64, of Immokalee, is a community service deputy for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and his master’s degree from Clemson University. Halman is reappointed for a term beginning March 27, 2017, and ending October 1, 2020.

Appointments by Gov. Scott for Thursday, March 23, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints Three to District Board
of Trustees, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Governor Rick Scott announced three appointments to the District Board of Trustees, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Tracy Knight, 51, of Venice, is the managing director of Knight Marketing, LLC and received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending May 31, 2019.

Richard Dorfman, 65, of Sarasota, is a former international sports executive and received his bachelor’s degree from American University. He succeeds Eric Robinson and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending May 31, 2020.

Dominic DiMaio, 51, of Lakewood Ranch, is a divisional CEO of Synovus Bank and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Widener University. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending May 31, 2020.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governor Rick Scott Makes Four Appointments
to Jackson County Hospital District

Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of four to the Jackson County Hospital District.

John Milton, 57, of Marianna, is a local business owner and real estate investor. He succeeds William Floyd and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending September 5, 2019.

Shareta Wright, 43, of Marianna, is the director of The Wright Foundation. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending July 31, 2020.

Kelly Connolly, 47, of Marianna, is the vice president of finance for Tri State Automotive Warehouse. She succeeds Sandra Helms and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending July 20, 2020.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Hoff, 82, of Marianna, is a retired family practitioner. He succeeds David Carrel and is appointed for a term beginning March 23, 2017, and ending July 19, 2018.

 

Gov. Rick Scott appoints members to Florida Constitution Revision Commission

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Governor Rick Scott announced today the appointment of 14 members to the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) in accordance with Article XI, Section II of the Florida Constitution. The Governor appointed Carlos Beruff as Chairman of the Commission on Wednesday. The 37–member Commission convenes every 20 years to review Florida’s Constitution and propose potential changes to be approved by Florida voters.
Governor Scott said, “I am incredibly honored today to appoint 14 members from across Florida to the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. These members stood out as exemplary choices for this historic Commission whose diverse backgrounds and experience in education, business and policy will ensure we continue to champion policies that make Florida the best place for families for generations to come.”
Dr. Jose “Pepe” Armas – Miami
Dr. Jose “Pepe” Armas is a distinguished physician and healthcare executive whose focus on patient-centered care has defined his career. Dr. Armas currently serves as the Chairman of MCCI Group, which he founded in 1998, a leading physician healthcare group in the Southeastern United States. In 2011, Governor Rick Scott appointed Dr. Armas to the Florida International University Board of Trustees, a position the Governor reappointed him to in 2016.
Dr. Armas is a member of the National Advisory Board of Health Research Resources, Inc., the Humana Utilization Committee, the Board of Statewide Florida Independent Physicians Association, the American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, and the American College of Physician Executives. He also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board and is a member of the Interview Committee of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and on the Advisory Board for the School of Nursing and Healthcare of Georgetown University.
Dr. Armas graduated medical school with Honors from Catholic University in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He also completed post-graduate training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and St. Barnabas Hospital affiliated with Cornell University in New York.
Lisa Carlton – Sarasota
Lisa Carlton is an eighth generation Floridian and the co-owner and manager of the Mabry Carlton Ranch, Inc. in Sarasota County. She spent much of her life in public service to the people of Florida including most recently as a Florida State Senator. After graduating from law school, Senator Carlton practiced law in Sarasota County for several years before entering the realm of public service. In 1994 Senator Carlton was elected to represent the 70th District of the Florida House of Representatives. After two terms in the Florida House, then Representative Carlton became Senator Carlton when she was elected to represent the 23rd District of the Florida Senate in 1998. In 2002, Senator Carlton was elected in the 24th District of the Florida Senate where she served until 2008.
Growing up on the Mabry Carlton Ranch, Senator Carlton saw firsthand the challenges of operating a family business as she watched her parents manage a 17,000 acre cattle and citrus ranch – the same ranch she helps manage today.
Currently, Senator Carlton is a member of the Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and is a founding a member of the Florida Historic Capitol Foundation. Senator Carlton received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stetson University and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law.
Timothy Cerio – Tallahassee
Timothy Cerio is an accomplished attorney practicing at his own law firm in Tallahassee. Along with being a former shareholder with the GrayRobinson law firm, Mr. Cerio has previously served as General Counsel to Governor Rick Scott from 2015 to 2016 and Chief of Staff and General Counsel at the Florida Department of Health from 2005 to 2007. In 2013, Mr. Cerio was appointed by Governor Scott to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the First District Court of Appeal.
Mr. Cerio received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida where he was a member of Florida Blue Key. Mr. Cerio has remained active with his alma mater serving as president of the University of Florida Alumni Association and UF College of Law Alumni Council.
Emery Gainey – Tallahassee
Emery Gainey has devoted his career to law enforcement in Florida. Mr. Gainey is a member of the Attorney General’s senior executive management team and currently serves as the Director of Law Enforcement, Victim Services & Criminal Justice Programs and is the liaison between federal, state and local law enforcement administrators and the Attorney General. Mr. Gainey plays a key role in the development, implementation and execution of the Attorney General’s criminal justice related initiatives.
On May 20, 2016, Governor Rick Scott appointed Mr. Gainey to serve as Sheriff of Marion County, where he served until January 3, 2017, before returning to the Attorney General’s Office.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office in 2007, Mr. Gainey served with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years, holding several key positions during his tenure including Chief Deputy, Division Commander of the Uniform Patrol and Homeland Security Commander.
Mr. Gainey is a member of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, FBI National Academy Associates, Florida Chapter, and serves on numerous community boards and professional organizations.
Mr. Gainey is a graduate of the University of Florida and the FBI National Academy.
Brecht Heuchan – Tallahassee
Brecht Heuchan is the Founder and CEO of ContributionLink, LLC, a leading political intelligence, data analytics and fundraising company which serves many of America’s most sophisticated corporations, trade associations and campaigns.
Mr. Heuchan also owns The Labrador Company, a Florida based political and government affairs firm that since its start in 2001, has represented a wide array of clients from small non-profits to some of the largest and most respected industry leaders in the world.
Throughout his career, Mr. Heuchan has gained extensive legislative, governmental and policy experience and used that knowledge in service to Governor Rick Scott and nearly a dozen Florida Senate Presidents and Speakers of the Florida House in a variety of staff and consulting capacities. In 1997, Mr. Heuchan was tasked by Speaker Daniel Webster to coordinate the Speaker’s Constitution Revision Commission appointees. He also monitored the work of the 97-98 CRC on the Speaker’s behalf, giving him a deep understanding and familiarity of the CRC process.
Mr. Heuchan received a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University.
Marva Johnson – Winter Garden
Marva Johnson is an accomplished member of Florida’s business community and leader in Florida education. Mrs. Johnson, the Regional Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications currently serves as the chair of the Florida State Board of Education. Previously, Mrs. Johnson served as a member of the Florida Virtual School Board and Advisory Board for Rollins College’s Crummer Center for Leadership Development.
Mrs. Johnson received her Bachelor of Science in business administration from Georgetown University before receiving a Master of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizuetta Business School and a Juris Doctor from the Georgia State University College of Law.
In 2014, Mrs. Johnson received the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council’s Champion for Digital Equality Award in recognition of her leadership and advocacy in helping bridge the digital divide in education for low-income families.
Darlene Jordan – Palm Beach
Darlene Jordan is the Executive Director of the Gerald R. Jordan Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports education, health and youth services, and the arts. In April 2016, Governor Scott appointed Mrs. Jordan to the Board of Governors of the State University System.
Mrs. Jordan is a member of Fordham’s Board of Directors and Co-Chair of Fordham’s successful $500 million Campaign which supports new facilities, more student scholarships, more endowed faculty chairs and more funding for academic endeavors throughout Fordham’s colleges and schools. She currently serves on Fordham’s Executive Committee and is Chair of the Development and University Relations Committee and Co-Chair of the Financial Aid Campaign. Mrs. Jordan is also Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. She serves as a Member of the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors and is a trustee of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Oxbridge Academy and Rosarian Academy.
Mrs. Jordan is a former Assistant Attorney General for the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, where she served in the Insurance Fraud Division from 1996 to 1999. Previously, she was an Assistant District Attorney in the Norfolk District Attorney’s office, from 1991 through 1996.
Mrs. Jordan received her Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University School of Law. She has been a member of the Massachusetts Bar since 1992 and the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts since 1993.
Fred Karlinsky – Weston
A nationally recognized authority on national insurance regulatory and compliance issues, Fred Karlinsky is Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group.
Mr. Karlinsky is experienced in transactional law, executive and legislative governmental affairs, administrative law and corporate representation. Recognized as one of the top insurance lawyers by Chambers and Partners, Mr. Karlinsky represents insurers, reinsurers, producers and other insurance interests throughout the U.S. and internationally in a wide variety of business, operational, regulatory, transactional and governmental matters.
In addition to his role with Greenberg Traurig, Mr. Karlinsky has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at Florida State University College of Law since 2008, where he teaches a course on Insurance Law and Risk Management. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. Mr. Karlinsky was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the 17th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission in 2011 and served as the vice chairman and chairman. He currently serves as Governor Scott’s appointee on the Florida Supreme Court Nominating Commission.
This year, Mr. Karlinsky served as the co-chair to the 17th Annual Florida Celebration of Reading event. Funds raised from the annual Florida Celebration of Reading help support programs of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Mr. Karlinsky received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami and a Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law.
Belinda Keiser – Parkland
Belinda Keiser has devoted her career to advancing Florida’s economic and workforce development, global competitiveness, education and healthcare. In addition to serving on various governmental boards, Mrs. Keiser has been the vice chancellor of Keiser University for more than 20 years and is an advocate for students’ accessibility to higher education and workforce talent development.
Mrs. Keiser has served as an an Ex-Officio member of the Florida Council of 100, member of the Board of Florida’s Chamber of Commerce and on the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force. Previously, she served on the Workforce Florida Inc. Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010, including serving as its past chair. Currently, Mrs. Keiser is serving as a reappointed member of the 17th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission of Broward County and as an appointee of Governor Rick Scott to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors.
In 2016, Mrs. Keiser was presented with the Congressional Record in Recognition of Women’s History Month by Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Speaker Paul Ryan for her work in the areas of education, public service and philanthropy.
Mrs. Keiser received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a certificate in paralegal studies from Keiser University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.
Frank Kruppenbacher – Orlando
Frank Kruppenbacher is an accomplished attorney who has spent much of the past 10 years serving his community and the state through positions on various boards and commissions. Over the past three decades, Mr. Kruppenbacher has gained invaluable experience in the public sector serving on the Florida Commission on Ethics, Florida Commission on Sales Tax Reform, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Ethics & Campaign Finance Reform Taskforce, Orange County Oversight Committee, Orange County Charter Commission, Central Florida Zoological Board, Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Orange County Sheriff Department Oversight Board.
Mr. Kruppenbacher currently serves as the Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. He was reappointed to the Aviation Authority by Governor Rick Scott in 2014.
Mr. Kruppenbacher attended Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland where he received his Bachelor of Arts. He subsequently received his Juris Doctor from New York Law School and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education Program where he received a certificate in public engagement.
Dr. Gary Lester – The Villages
Dr. Gary Lester is the Vice President of The Villages for Community Relations and has spent 34 years as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. In his service to the Church, Dr. Lester pastored congregations in Texas, Arkansas and Ohio before moving to Florida in 1991.
Dr. Lester has served on numerous boards and advisory groups including the United States Military Academy Nominations Board and the Judicial Nominating Commission – Middle District of Florida.
Dr. Lester received a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University and attended seminary at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas.
Jimmy Patronis – Panama City
A lifelong Floridian, Jimmy Patronis has dedicated his career to public service and his family business in Panama City. Mr. Patronis is currently a commissioner on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), a position he was appointed to by Governor Rick Scott for a four-year term beginning January 2015. Prior to his appointment, Commissioner Patronis represented District 6 (Bay County) in the Florida House of Representatives.
Commissioner Patronis was appointed by Governors Jeb Bush and Lawton Chiles to the Florida Elections Commission and is also a past Chairman and Board Member of the Bay County-Panama City International Airport and Industrial District. A member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), Commissioner Patronis serves on NARUC’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment. He also serves on the Advisory Council for New Mexico State University’s Center for Public Utilities.
Commissioner Patronis received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Florida State University. He is a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Bay County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Programs.
Pam Stewart – Tallahassee
Florida Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Pam Stewart has dedicated her life to ensuring Florida’s students have access to a high quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and achieve their academic and career goals.
Commissioner Stewart has served 37 years in education, beginning her career as a school teacher. She spent the first 20 years of her career as a guidance counselor, testing and research specialist, assistant principal and principal at both the elementary and high school levels.
In 2004, she joined the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Public Schools as Deputy Chancellor for Educator Quality, where her experience in the school environment informed her leadership and resulted in Florida being recognized as a national leader in recruitment, development and performance pay for teachers. Commissioner Stewart served as Deputy Superintendent for Academic Services in St. Johns County, during which time the district was the highest performing district in the state. In 2011, she returned to DOE, and in 2013, the State Board of Education appointed her as Commissioner of Education.
Commissioner Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education/early childhood from the University of South Florida and a Master of Education in counselor education from the University of Central Florida. She earned her certification in educational leadership at Stetson University.
Nicole Washington – Miami Beach
Nicole Washington is a leader in higher education with more than 10 years of experience teaching, performing educational research and advocating for educational policy. As the State Policy Consultant for the Lumina Foundation she has worked to expand access and success for students in higher education and collaborated with organizations such as the Institute on Higher Education Policy, Education Commission on the States and Jobs for the Future. In Florida, Ms. Washington has served as the Associate Director of Governmental Relations for the State University System Board of Governors, as well as the Budget Director for Education in the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget (OPB).
Ms. Washington is a board member of Florida A&M University, the LeRoy Collins Institute and the Veterans Trust Board. She is also currently a member of Class VII of Connect Florida.
Ms. Washington graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Art degree and then attended Mercy College in New York earning a Master of Science in elementary education. Ms. Washington is also a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University where she earned a Master of Art in comparative education.

Alternate Members
Governor Scott has identified the following individuals to serve as alternates should one of the appointees not be able to fulfill their duties for the duration of the CRC:

  • Tom Kuntz, Chairman of the Board of Governors for the State University System of Florida
  • Don Eslinger, former Sheriff of Seminole County
  • Judge John Stargel, Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit