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.
Secretary
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 Noah Valenstein as Secretary of DEP
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.
Three Names Given to Governor for Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation
Richard M. Biter, Michael J. Dew, and Ronald S. Howse, P.E./P.S.M.
The Florida Transportation Commission today nominated three candidates for Governor Scott’s consideration for the position of Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, pursuant to section 20.23 (1)(a), Florida Statutes. The nominees, in alphabetical order, are:
- Richard M. Biter, former assistant secretary of Intermodal Systems Development, Florida Department of Transportation;
- Michael J. Dew, chief of staff, Florida Department of Transportation; and,
- Ronald S. Howse, P.E./P.S.M., commissioner, Florida Transportation Commission.
The Commission received resumes from 127 applicants, all of which were reviewed by the staff and Commissioners. The Commission met by teleconference on Thursday, May 4th where twelve candidates were discussed and it was determined that five finalists should be invited for an interview. On Thursday, May 11th, the Commission conducted interviews with five candidates in a meeting open to the public via GoToWebinar.
The nationwide search included advertising the position on LinkedIn, Monster.com, several national engineering association sites, and notified all state transportation departments through the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials as well as contacting many state and national trade organizations.
On Monday, January 23, Governor Rick Scott announced the resignation of Secretary Jim Boxold, who began his appointment on January 3, 2015, effective February 3, 2017. Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration Rachel Cone has been serving as Interim Secretary since that date.
The Florida Transportation Commission is an appointed body that provides performance and fiscal oversight of the FDOT, and makes transportation policy recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.
Interviews planned for Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation Finalists
Five transportation leaders to be interviewed May 11th
The Florida Transportation Commission today chose five candidates to be interviewed for the position of Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. The finalists will be interviewed on Thursday, May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
The finalists, their interview times, in chronological order, are:
- 1:05 p.m. – Ronald Howse, P.E./P.S.M., commissioner, Florida Transportation Commission
- 1:40 p.m. – Phillip W. Gainer, P.E., district secretary, Florida Department of Transportation
- 2:15 p.m. – Richard M. Biter, former assistant secretary of Intermodal Systems Development, Florida Department of Transportation
- 2:50 p.m. – Michael J. Dew, chief of staff, Florida Department of Transportation
- 3:25 p.m. – Gene Conti, former secretary, North Carolina Department of Transportation
All interviews will be conducted using GoToWebinar®. Information on how to access the interviews via GoToWebinar® on a computer or via telephone will be available on our website early next week.
Following interviews, the Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 17 in Tallahassee to recommend three candidates for consideration by the Governor. The Secretary will then be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor of Florida.
On Monday, January 23, Governor Rick Scott announced the resignation of Secretary Jim Boxold, who began his appointment on January 3, 2015, effective February 3, 2017. Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration Rachel Cone has been serving as Interim Secretary since that date.
The Florida Transportation Commission is an appointed body that provides performance and fiscal oversight of the FDOT, and makes transportation policy recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.
Gov. Scott Announces Resignation of FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold; Rachel Cone as Interim Secretary
Governor Rick Scott announced today Secretary Jim Boxold’s resignation from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which will be effective on February 3, 2017. He has served in this role since 2015. Rachel Cone, who currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, will serve as Interim Secretary beginning on February 4th.
Governor Scott said, “Jim Boxold has done a great job leading FDOT and I want to thank him for his hard work as we have continued to make critical investments in Florida’s transportation infrastructure. Under his leadership, Florida has been a leader in transportation and made great improvements in our seaports, bridges and airports. His dedication to our state has helped ensure we have a world-class transportation system that supports continued economic growth and job creation. I am truly proud of all the good work Jim has done and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Rachel Cone has served in her current position as Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration since 2015. Prior to this role at FDOT, Rachel served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Scott from 2012 to 2014. She also was the Communications Director at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from 2011 to 2012. Rachel received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.
Governor Scott continued, “Rachel has been part of my team since 2011 and has done an incredible job working hard for Florida families. I am confident she will continue to do great work and build upon the successes of FDOT by ensuring we have the best transportation infrastructure for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
