Governor Rick Scott appointed Ryan Matthews as the Interim Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Governor Scott said, “Ryan’s hard work and dedication to protecting Florida’s environment have led the way to improved water quality and stronger environmental policies for Florida. I am confident that he will continue to fight to protect Florida’s pristine environment as Interim Secretary.”
Ryan has been at DEP since 2015 serving as Director of the Office of Water Policy, and most recently, Deputy Secretary of Regulatory Programs. Prior to joining DEP, Ryan served as the Associate Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida League of Cities. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. In 2009, Ryan obtained his Master of Laws degree Environmental/Natural Resources Law from the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law.
The Cabinet Governance Guidelines adopted by the Governor and Cabinet call for the Governor to name an interim appointee to temporarily fill this vacancy, subject to approval of the interim appointments by the Cabinet. The process of making a permanent appointment will also be governed by the Cabinet Governance Guidelines. Next week, the Governor and Cabinet will meet via phone to discuss this interim appointment.
Interim Secretary
Governor Scott Appoints Matilde Miller as Interim Secretary of DBPR
Governor Rick Scott today appointed Matilde Miller as the interim Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DPBR). She has been at DBPR for more than 16 years and has held numerous positions including Legislative Affairs Director, and most recently, Chief of Staff. As Secretary, she will oversee the licensing and regulation of businesses and professionals throughout Florida. She will begin to serve as interim secretary on January 11, 2017.
Governor Scott said, “Matilde has spent many years at DBPR serving in numerous leadership positions and understands how important it is to help businesses open and create jobs in our state. Like Secretary Lawson, she will focus on reducing burdensome regulations and fees that make it harder for job creators to succeed in Florida. She has extensive legislative experience and relationships and I am confident she will be a great leader at DBPR.”
Matilde Miller has served as Chief of Staff since 2014, and began her career at DPBR as a Legislative Specialist in 2000. She also served as a Legislative Coordinator, Deputy Legislative Affairs Director and Director of Legislative Affairs before becoming Chief of Staff. She previously worked in the Florida House of Representatives and as a High School English and Spanish teacher. She received her Associates of Arts degree from Brevard Community College and is currently attending Florida State University.
