Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced former Maine Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Mary Mayhew, will serve as Secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration.  

“With decades of experience and service throughout various leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, Mary Mayhew is a proven innovator and an effective leader in the field of health care,” said Governor-elect Ron DeSantis. “Mary will be an outstanding Secretary who will bring bold and tested leadership to the Agency.”

Mary Mayhew, Secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Mary Mayhew currently serves as Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, where she is responsible for the management of the $375 billion federal Medicaid program serving over 74 million individuals. In that role, she has lead national Medicaid and CHIP policy and program operations and supporting federal efforts to provide states with greater flexibility while increasing accountability for improved health outcomes, effective pathways out of poverty and prudent use of taxpayer resources.

Mayhew previously served as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) where she implemented innovative reforms to the agency, including transforming Medicaid’s transactional focus to an organizational structure focused on value, cost-effectiveness, and health system improvement, increasing focus on program integrity and fraud investigations and implementing a federal grant review process to strategically prioritize grant requests and to evaluate program accountability, among other accomplishments.

While serving in this role, Mayhew was awarded the Freedom & Opportunity Award from the Maine Heritage Policy Center, and the Economic Freedom Award from Americans for Prosperity for her accomplishments as Commissioner of Health and Human Services.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced former Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and retired United States Army Major General, Mark Inch, will serve as Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections for the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration.  “Mark Inch is an exceptional leader who has dedicated his life to serving and protecting our country at home and abroad,” said Governor-elect Ron DeSantis. 

“Mark is one of the foremost experts on criminal justice, having Directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons and I am proud to have him bring his knowledge and expertise to this new administration. I look forward to working with him to strengthen Florida’s Department of Corrections and ensure efficiency and accountability at such an important agency.

Mark Inch, Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections
Mark Inch was appointed Director of the Federal Bureau Of Prisons and served in that role with distinction until 2018. Inch served as the Provost Marshal General and Commanding General of the Criminal Investigation Command and Army Corrections at Headquarters for the Department of the Army where he served at home and abroad for 36 years.

Inch was the principal military advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army on all policing matters. He was also responsible for developing and executing strategy, policies, plans and programs for the Army’s policing organizations. He held the role of Commanding General of the Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 in Kabul, Afghanistan where he was responsible for Detainee Operations and Rule of Law Development within the Army’s Security Sector.

In 1982, Inch received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Archaeology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. In 2002, he received a Master of Arts Degree in Geography, from The University of Texas at Austin. Inch received a Master of Military Art and Science Degree from The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 2005.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor-elect Ron DeSantis announced key additions to the Executive Office of the Governor. Key hires include Chris Spencer, who will join the administration as Policy Director. Justin Caporale will serve as Director of External Affairs. Amanda Emmons and Makenzi Mahler will serve as Director of Scheduling and Director of Appointments, respectively.

“This team of qualified, dedicated and talented individuals will help us deliver on the issues that matter most to Floridians from economic growth to water quality and more,” said Governor-elect Ron DeSantis. “I’m proud to announce their service to our state and I have every confidence in their commitment to the people of Florida.”

Chris Spencer, Policy Director
Spencer most recently helped manage Transition Advisory Committee efforts for Governor-elect DeSantis. With experience in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, Spencer brings a wealth of policy and procedural experience to the new administration. A former Chief Legislative Assistant in the Florida Senate, Spencer helped to manage the legislative office of Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg).

Justin Caporale, Director of External Affairs
Caporale is an experienced advance and operations professional with an extensive background in developing the strategy and overseeing the management of political events and advocacy campaigns. Justin worked as a senior Advance and Operations lead throughout the 2016 Donald J. Trump for President campaign before serving in the White House as a Special Assistant to the President and the Director of Operations for the East Wing. Justin previously served as the Director of Operations and Chief of Staff for Concerned Veterans for America and most recently worked as Director of Advance for the Ron DeSantis for Governor campaign before serving in his current role as Executive Director of the DeSantis-Nuñez Inauguration.

Amanda Emmons, Director of Scheduling
Amanda Emmons will join the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration as Director of Scheduling. Emmons previously served in the Governor-elect’s Transition as the Director of Scheduling, a role she also held throughout the DeSantis-Nuñez campaign. Prior to her role in the campaign, Emmons worked as a Staff Assistant to Senator Marco Rubio where she served as a grant and intern coordinator for the Senator’s office.

Makenzi Mahler, Director of Appointments
Currently serving as Deputy Director of Recruiting for the Transition, Mahler will join the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration as the new Director of Appointments. Prior to her role on the Transition, Mahler served as Deputy Finance Director for the DeSantis-Nuñez campaign. Before joining the campaign, Mahler spent over three years at the Republican Party of Florida where she worked on strategic initiatives and in finance for the House Majority effort. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University where she earned a B.S. in Political Science.

“This is a talented group of individuals who have demonstrated the aptitude to serve not only the Governor-elect, but the people of Florida with distinction,” said Susie Wiles, Executive Director of the DeSantis-Nuñez Transition.

The staff will begin their work together on January 9, immediately after Governor DeSantis and Lt. Governor Nuñez take their oaths of office.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced Barbara Palmer will continue to serve as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) for the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration.  

“I am pleased to reappoint Barbara Palmer to serve as the Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities,” said Governor-elect DeSantis. “Barbara has spent many years working to advance the needs of Floridians with disabilities and I have seen that she has the leadership capabilities and subject matter expertise needed to drive innovative public policy that will allow persons with disabilities to flourish in our communities across the state for years to come.” 

Former Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner added, “I’m excited that Governor-elect DeSantis has chosen Barbara Palmer to continue leading the APD. I’ve had the honor to work closely with her during my tenure as Senate President and I know she has a passion for individuals with unique abilities and will serve the new governor and our state with distinction.”

Barbara Palmer, Director of the Agency for Persons with DisabilitiesPalmer currently serves as the Director of APD, where she was appointed by Governor Rick Scott in August 2012. Prior to this position, Palmer served as the Chief of Staff of the APD.  

Before APD, Palmer was the Assistant Secretary for Administration for the Florida Department of Children and Families, and also served more than 15 years as President and CEO of Palmer, Musick & Associates. Throughout her career, Palmer has been the Chief Executive Officer of Illuminactive Multimedia, Inc.; Special Consultant for Governmental Affairs and Marketing for Pennington, Wilkinson & Dunlap, P.A.; Director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants for the Florida Department of Business Regulation; Associate Vice President for Governmental Relations for the Florida State University; Director of Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics for FSU, and Executive Director and Vice President of IMPACT Enterprises, Inc.    

Palmer has received numerous awards and honors, including being inducted into the “Florida Women’s Hall of Fame,” the “FSU Athletic Hall of Fame,” the FSU Circle of Gold, the “Tallahassee Community College Hall of Fame,” and the “Leon High School Hall of Fame;” and the recipient of the “President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports National Award,” the “Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Leadership Award,” FSU College of Education “Distinguished Alumni Award in Business & Industry,” Florida Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, “Outstanding Service Award,” and the National Association of Collegiate Women’s Athletic Administrators “Lifetime Achievement Award.” She also established the “Barbara J. Palmer Award” for Outstanding High School Athletics.  

Palmer received a Masters of Science in Leisure Services Administration and a Bachelors of Science in Recreation Administration from Florida State University.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today issued the following statement regarding the case of the Groveland Four: 

“Seventy years is a long time. And that’s the amount of time four young men have been wrongly written into Florida history for crimes they did not commit and punishments they did not deserve. Justice was miscarried for the Groveland Four beginning with events set in motion in 1949. Though these men now lie in graves, their stories linger in search of justice.

“I appreciate the Legislature’s unanimous resolve and CFO Jimmy Patronis’ recent request that the Clemency Board consider the case. I look forward to reviewing the report of the Office of Executive Clemency and making the cases of the Groveland Four a priority for the first meeting of the Florida Cabinet in January. This is an appropriate action first acknowledged when Governor Leroy Collins commuted one of the victims’ sentences in 1955. And make no mistake: these men were victims.

“I urge all Floridians to become acquainted with the facts of this case. And not only Groveland, but we must all learn from the past in its fullness. We should be shocked by the acts of evil that were done yet inspired by the men and women of good will who have refused to let sleeping dogs lie.

“I believe the rule of law is society’s sacred bond. When it is trampled, we all suffer. For the Groveland Four, the truth was buried. The perpetrators celebrated. But justice has cried out from that day until this. 

“Seventy years is a long time to wait, but it is never too late to do the right thing.”

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced he has reappointed Jim Poppell as the Secretary of the Florida Lottery.  “Jim Poppell is a committed public servant who believes in the mission of the Florida Lottery,” said Governor-elect DeSantis. “With Jim continuing to lead the Florida Lottery, I am certain Florida students will continue to benefit from the outstanding educational opportunities the agency generates. A world-class education system is paramount to our state’s success, and I look forward to seeing the Florida Lottery contribute to our students’ success. Transparent and efficient operation of the lottery system is critical to ensuring that this program achieves its promise and Jim has demonstrated he is the professional to do this work.”

Jim Poppell, Secretary of Florida Lottery Jim Poppell has served as the Secretary of the Florida Lottery since July 2017. At the Florida Lottery, he is responsible for leading 400 employees to increase sales and transfers to enhance education and for maintaining relationships with more than 13,000 retailers.

Prior to joining the Florida Lottery, Poppell served as the Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, where he was responsible for representing the agency’s views on policy decisions and ensuring its mission and goals were achieved by managing the day-to-day operations of each of its divisions.

Poppell previously served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources at NextEra Energy, Inc., held several leadership positions at Florida Power & Light Company and was a Litigator with Foley & Lardner LLP. 

Poppell received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri, his Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Spring Arbor University in Michigan and his Bachelor of Arts in History from Eckerd College. 

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced he is recommending Jim Zingale, PhD, to the Florida Cabinet to serve as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), continuing to build on the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration’s promise of bipartisanship. 

“I am pleased to recommend Jim Zingale to serve as the Executive Director of DOR and am certain the Cabinet will share my confidence in Jim,” said Governor-elect DeSantis. “With his prior experience at the department, Jim has a deep understanding of this agency that has 5,400 employees and a budget of more than $500 million. His knowledge of the inner workings of DOR, paired with his innovative ideas for modernization, make Jim the ideal choice to lead this department into the future.” 

Jim Zingale, PhD, for Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue
Dr. Zingale most recently served as the Research Director of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida. Dr. Zingale was also a consultant with Capitol Hill Group and Deloitte.  

Prior to these positions, Dr. Zingale served in various state government roles, where he provided public service for more than 35 years in Florida. During this tenure, Dr. Zingale served as the Interim Executive Director of the Florida Agency for Enterprise Information Technology. He also previously served in DOR, where he was the Executive Director for seven years and the Deputy Director for nine years.  

During his time at DOR, Dr. Zingale oversaw implementation of two monumental technology projects, including a $110 million Integrated Tax Administration System, which delivered a 10-to-1 return on investment, and an $86 million Integrated Child Support System.  His work earned the department the National Excellence Award from the LBJ School of Public Administration. 

Dr. Zingale also has a total of 18 years of leadership experience, serving both chambers of the Florida Legislature, holding key research policy and negotiation positions as Staff Director of the Finance & Tax Committee, Appropriations Committee, and Economic and Demographic Research Committee. Further, Dr. Zingale served as the first Economic and Demographic Research Director. He also served as an Environmental Specialist for the Florida Department of Pollution Control.    

Dr. Zingale received a Doctor of Philosophy and Economics from the Florida State University, a Master of Arts in Economics from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor-elect Ron DeSantis announced additions to the senior team in the Executive Office of the Governor. Joining Shane Strum, the Governor-elect’s Chief of Staff will be Deputy Chiefs of Staff James Blair and Adrian Lukis. Roger “Beau” Beaubien will serve as Director of Cabinet Affairs and will have an enhanced portfolio in addition to that role. Stephanie Kopelousos and Helen Aguirre Ferré will serve as Director of Legislative Affairs and Director of Communications, respectively.

“This team of professionals, working under the direction of Shane Strum, will mean that we will be ready on day one to deliver on promises made throughout the campaign to the people of Florida–to grow jobs, protect Florida’s natural environment, keep our communities safe and ensure every child has access to a quality education. I am proud to be rounding out my senior team with a group of experienced, smart and dedicated public servants who have committed themselves to building a better Florida,” said Governor-elect Ron DeSantis.

Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair most recently managed the Transition Advisory Committee efforts, seeking and receiving stakeholder input on a wide variety of important issues for the Governor-elect’s consideration as he takes office. Prior to the senior policy role on the transition and a senior political role in the DeSantis campaign, Blair served as a longtime political advisor to former Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran. Blair also led the political arm of the Republican Party of Florida’s House Majority effort during the 2016 election cycle, which successfully retained all incumbent seats and added an additional seat to the House Republican majority. Blair is a graduate of Florida State University, where he earned a B.S. in Finance.

“James is a smart and hard-working talent and I know he is dedicated to advancing the Governor-elect’s agenda and vision for the future of our great state. I’m proud that Governor-elect DeSantis chose to put his confidence in James and I know he will be well served by his decision”, said former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Richard Corcoran.

Adrian Lukis will join the DeSantis administration from his position as Senior Advisor to House Speaker Jose Oliva. Lukis began his career as an attorney in Orlando before moving to Tallahassee to work as committee attorney and Deputy Staff Director in the Florida House of Representatives. Prior to his position in the Speaker’s office, Adrian as served as Deputy Director of Agenda Development at the Republican Party of Florida. Lukis is a graduate of Florida State University and received his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law.

“Adrian served the House in both the Office of the Majority Leader and the Speaker’s Office with distinction, ability and integrity. I have no doubt that he will serve Governor-elect DeSantis with the same quality and energy. I wish him and the Governor-elect all the best and look forward to working with them to continue the success story of Florida”, said Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva.

Beau Beaubien served in the Governor-elect’s Transition as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison, a role he also held during the DeSantis-Nuñez campaign. Prior to his role on the campaign, Beaubien served as Special Counsel for Cabinet and Legislative Affairs to Attorney General Pam Bondi. He spent several years in private practice with the Coates Law Firm in Tallahassee. Beaubien is a graduate of the University of Florida and the Florida State University College of Law.

“Beau is a brilliant and dedicated professional who is respected by legislators, his colleagues and all who have the pleasure to work with him. He has been a trusted advisor and member of my team. He loves our state and will work well with the great group of professionals that has been assembled. I know the Governor-elect and his administration will be well-served by Beau’s addition to his team”, said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Stephanie Kopelousos, currently the County Manager in Clay County, will join the DeSantis-Nuñez administration as the Director of Legislative Affairs. Kopelousos brings a wealth of experience to the Governor’s office having previously served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation from 2007 to 2011, where she first served as Chief of Staff. A well-respected leader of one of the largest agencies in Florida government and a successful county administrator in her home county, Kopelousos joins the team ready to work with on behalf of Governor-elect DeSantis with the Legislature to advance a people-friendly agenda for Florida.

“I cannot imagine a better selection for the Governor-elect’s Legislative Affairs team than Stephanie. She has the knowledge of the process, the respect of the legislators and all individuals with whom she works and the leadership skills to get the job done. Having known Stephanie and her family for many years, I could not be more proud of her,” said incoming Florida Senate Appropriations Chair Rob Bradley (R-Clay County).

Helen Aguirre Ferré returns home to Florida after two years as White House Director of Media Affairs and a brief time as Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at the National Endowment for the Arts. A gifted communicator, proven leader and well-respected professional, this Miami native brings a wealth of talent to the new administration. Her experience with the range of communication modes and her ability to help tell a story will help Floridians remember why we love our state and help them envision the vast opportunities we have before us. Helen received her M.A. in Inter-American studies from the University of Miami and her B.A. in Political Science from Barry University.

“Helen will be a great asset to Governor DeSantis as she returns to her home state of Florida to continue her work in public service. Having worked at the White House, the National Endowment for the Arts as well as a successful career in journalism, her wealth of experience on a national level will be essential in her new position as she will communicate seamlessly in both English and Spanish, a big plus in a state such as Florida,” said Acting Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Mary Anne Carter. “We will miss her greatly.”

“This is as impressive a group of professionals in the Governor’s office as any I can remember. Working with the Governor-elect and Shane, they will accomplish great things. As a Transition Co-Chair, I have watched them come together and could not be prouder of this team,” said former United States Senator George LeMieux.

This senior staff team will begin their work together on January 9, immediately after Governor DeSantis and Lt. Governor Nuñez take their oaths of office.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced Ken Lawson will serve as Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Governor-elect DeSantis also announced he will recommend that the Enterprise Florida, Inc.’s (EFI) Board of Directors appoint Jamal Sowell as its next president and chief executive officer (CEO) for the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration.

“Ken Lawson had demonstrated his leadership ability since serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate General,” said Governor-elect DeSantis. “Since that time, he has brought his commitment to service home to Florida, where he has served as Secretary of DBPR and President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. I have no doubt Ken will continue this tradition of outstanding leadership at the Department of Economic Opportunity and help the state continue to be an economic powerhouse, bringing new businesses to Florida and creating jobs for Floridians.”

Regarding Lawson’s appointment to DEO, Governor Rick Scott said, “Ken Lawson has been a valuable member of my administration since the beginning of my first term as Governor. Under Ken’s leadership as head of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and more recently as CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, Florida was able to create more than 1.6 million private-sector jobs while setting remarkable visitation records. I applaud Governor-elect DeSantis for choosing Ken to lead the Department of Economic Opportunity. I am confident that Ken will continue to faithfully serve our state by working every day to create jobs, so each family can succeed in Florida.”

Regarding Jamal Sowell, Governor-elect DeSantis said,

“A native Floridian, Jamal Sowell is a person of integrity who has served his country and, now, has successfully helped to lead and grow the Port of Tampa Bay – one of the largest economic engines in the region,” said Governor-elect DeSantis. “I am proud to recommend Jamal to serve as the next president and CEO of Enterprise Florida. I know he will bring his acumen to the department and will keep our state competitive and ensure our workforce has opportunities.”

Steve Swindal, Chairman of Port Tampa Bay Board of Commissioners lauded the recommendation of Jamal Sowell to EFI stating, “Jamal has served with great distinction at the Tampa Port Authority. He is a bright and talented individual who will serve the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration, and the people of Florida, well. Our organization wishes him all the best in his new role.”

Ken Lawson, Executive Director of Department of Economic Opportunity
As VISIT FLORIDA’s president and CEO, Lawson led Florida’s official destination marketing organization in partnership with its Board of Directors and the statewide tourism industry.

During Lawson’s career, he has served in numerous leadership positions for several private-sector companies and government agencies, where he balanced the needs of the private sector while protecting public resources. Prior to joining VISIT FLORIDA, he served as secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for six years, where he led a team of 1,600 employees who successfully regulated more than 1 million businesses and professions across Florida.

A native Floridian, Lawson received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Florida State University. He began his legal career in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate General and later served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. In 2001, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Enforcement for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he was responsible for the oversight of several federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. efforts combating terrorist financing.

Lawson also served as Assistant Chief Counsel for Field Operations with the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration. In the private sector, Lawson served as the vice president for Compliance for nFinanSe Inc., a Tampa financial services company, and consulted for Booz Allen Hamilton, for whom he served as chief of party for the Financial Crimes Prevention Project in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jamal Sowell, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida
Sowell most recently served as Port Tampa Bay’s chief of staff, where he was responsible for coordinating the operations of the president and CEO’s office, interfacing regularly with Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the State of Florida on critical issues facing the port. Sowell also served as the primary liaison to the governor and state executive branch in his capacity as chief of staff.

Prior to joining Port Tampa Bay, Jamal was special assistant to the University of Florida (UF) President and assistant corporate secretary to the UF Board of Trustees. A sixth-generation Floridian, Sowell was the UF student body president and member of the UF Board of Trustees. He was awarded as UF Outstanding Male Leader, UF Hall of Fame, UF Outstanding Young Alumni Award and is currently on the UF Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Sowell also served in the U.S. Marine Corps enlisting as a Private First Class in the Reserve, and was eventually commissioned, going into active duty, completing his time as a Captain. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan.

Sowell has a Masters of Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with coursework in 19th Century American Literature at Amherst College. He has a law degree from Indiana University Bloomington Maurer School of Law, where he was a Pat Tillman Scholar. During his time in Indiana, Governor Mike Pence appointed Sowell to a state board regulating health facility administrators.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced State Representative Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello) has been chosen to lead the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for the DeSantis-Nuñez Administration.

“Florida’s trillion-dollar economy is founded on thriving businesses—from the small mom and pop shops to the largest corporations headquartered in the Sunshine State,” said Governor-elect DeSantis. “It is vital to our state’s continued success that we streamline the way we approach business regulation and eliminate the bureaucratic barriers that stifle growth. For that reason, I am proud to announce that I have asked Representative Halsey Beshears to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Throughout his distinguished career, Halsey has been a champion for deregulation and, under his leadership, this agency will become the focal driver that will make Florida a premier destination for entrepreneurs and companies seeking to relocate. Halsey, a nationally recognized regulatory innovator, is the perfect choice to lead DBPR. I am more than confident that his leadership and expertise will bring jobs, economic growth, and continued success to our state.”

Jose Oliva, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives:
“Halsey Beshears is a highly capable leader who has worked tirelessly to unlock more opportunities for Floridians by cutting unnecessary regulations that impede entrepreneurs and small-businesses,” Speaker Oliva said. “He is an excellent choice to lead DBPR and I know will he use that passion and expertise well at Florida’s key regulatory agency.”

Representative Halsey Beshears, Secretary, Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Representative Beshears is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, District 7, which includes Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla Counties as well as part of Leon County. During his time in the legislature, Representative Beshears chaired the Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee and was most recently appointed chair of the Ways and Means Committee in the Florida House, which has oversight over DBPR. Throughout his time in the Florida House of Representatives, Representative Beshears has been a champion for deregulation, streamlining and pro-business policies.

Representative Beshears is also a noted businessman, having started and run numerous companies in North Florida, which include commercial property management, bicycle equipment and sales, and a wholesale agriculture company. Additionally, he was the chief financial officer of one of Florida’s oldest retail nurseries, leading the company to record growth and doubling its employee base. Representative Beshears holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from the Florida State University and a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor-elect Jeanette Nuñez today announced the names of over 50 advisors who will serve on the Transition Advisory Committee on Health and Wellness. The committee will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor-elect Jeanette Nuñez and co-chaired by Alan Levine, former Secretary of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration.

The committee is comprised of a diverse group of health care experts from a variety of different medical fields, as well as health care providers, addiction counselors and mental health professionals, in addition to current and former leaders of Florida’s health care system.

These individuals will advise the Transition Team as they develop their plan to implement Governor-elect DeSantis’ vision of empowering patients and expanding provider reach, fighting addiction and mental health problems and protecting Florida’s most vulnerable populations while lowering costs and respecting taxpayers’ money.

Members of the Transition Advisory Committee on Health and Wellness include:

Dr. MICHAEL ALESSANDRI; Executive Director for Autism and Related Diseases

MARIA ALONSO; COO, Citrus Health Network

BRYAN ANDERSON; VP of Government Affairs, HCA Healthcare

Dr. JOSE ‘PEPE’ ARMAS; Founder, Chairman & CEO, MCCI Medical Group

GABRIELLE BARGERSTOCK; Florida Executive Director, Nurse-Family Partnership

ANN BARNHART; CEO, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center

JASON BARRETT; CEO, Flagler Hospital

Dr. SAMIRA BECKWITH; President & CEO, Hope Healthcare

ABIGAIL BEEBE; Chair, Executive Council of The Florida Bar Family Law Section

CHARLES BENDER; Founding CEO & Board Member, Place of Hope

THAD BESHEARS; Co-Owner & COO, Simpson Nurseries

Dr. ANDY BOROM; Orthopedic Surgeon, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

TARREN BRAGDON; President & CEO, Foundation for Government Accountability

The Honorable JASON BRODEUR; former Chairman, Florida House of Representatives Health and Human Services Committee

AUDREY BROWN; President & CEO, Florida Association of Health Plans

NANCY BRYAN; President & CEO, BioFlorida

RICKY CAPLIN; CEO, HCI Group

Dr. CHRISTOPHER CARD; Chief of Community-Based Care, Eckerd Connects

GLEN CASEL; CEO, Community Based Care of Central Florida

GLEN FEINGOLD; Executive Vice President & COO, MCNA Dental

AURELIO FERNANDEZ; President & CEO, Memorial Healthcare System

Dr. EDWARD FIDALGO; OB/GYN, South Miami Hospital and Mercy Hospital

The Honorable RENÉ GARCÍA; Executive Vice President, New Century Partnership

Dr. VIKRAM GOPAL; Physician, Borland Groover

JIM HILL; President, Florida Juvenile Justice Association

NELSON HINCAPIE; President & CEO, Voices for Children Foundation

ROY H HINMAN II, M.D., Colonel, US Army (Ret.)

SCOTT HOWELL; Vice President of Internal & External Affairs, Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence

ROSLIND HUDSON; Divisional Vice President, Behavioral Health Division, Universal Health Services

CHRIS JACOBS; Founder & CEO, Juniper Research Group

EDWARD JIMENEZ; CEO, University of Florida Health Shands

Dr. STEVEN JOHNSON; President & CEO, Health First

KURT KELLY; CEO, Florida Coalition for Children

Dr. DAVID KENIGSBERG; President, Broward County Medical Association

Dr. NARENDRA KINI; CEO, Nicklaus Children’s Health System

NICOLE de LARA PUENTE; CEO, Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation

Dr. KEN LAWSON; Owner & Optometrist, Bayshore Eye Care

BEN LEON; CEO, Leon Medical Centers

REBECCA MATTHEWS; CEO, Florida Healthy Kids

DAVID R. MAYMON; Founder, Advocate Home Care

GRACI McGILLICUDDY; Chair, Board of Directors, All Star Children’s Foundation

CARLOS MIGOYA; President & CEO, Jackson Health System

JOSEPH MITCHELL; CEO, Summit Care and Member, American Health Care Association Board of Governors

JOE MULLANY; Regional President & CEO, Bayfront Health

DEB OBERMAN; Vice President Public Affairs, Humana

Dr. EDUARDO OTERO; Regional Vice President, South Region, Florida Market, MEDNAX Pediatrix Medical Group

Dr. JASON PIROZZOLO; Director of Sports Medicine and Trauma, Orlando Hand Surgery Associates

Dr. JIM RUBENSTEIN; Co-Founder & Radiation Oncologist, 21st Century Oncology

SUZANNE SEWELL; President & CEO, Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities

Dr. DAVID SHAPIRO; Board Member, Florida Society of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

ANDREW SMITH; Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Surterra Wellness

TIM STAPLETON; CEO, Florida Medical Association

ROGER STEVENS; CEO, Westminster Communities of Florida

JENNIFER UNGRU; Corporate Affairs Advisor, Jones Walker

MARY LYNN EDWARDS ULREY; CEO, DACCO Behavioral Health

MIKE WATKINS; CEO, Big Bend Community Based Care

Dr. ZACH ZACHARIAH; President, Fort Lauderdale Heart Institute

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor-elect Jeanette Nuñez today announced the names of over 40 advisors who will serve on the Transition Advisory Committee on Education and Workforce Development that will be co-chaired by State Board of Education Chair, MARVA JOHNSON and University of Florida Board of Trustees member, MORI HOSSEINI.

The committee is comprised of a diverse group of education experts, including traditional K-12 public school system leaders, education advocates, elected school board members, academics and current and former leaders of Florida’s higher education system.

These individuals will advise the Transition Team as they develop a plan to implement Governor-elect DeSantis’ vision of ensuring that every student in Florida has the chance to get a world-class education and develop the skills they need to get a great job and pursue their dream.

Members of the Transition Advisory Committee on Education and Workforce Development include:

Dr. ELIZABETH M. BÉJAR; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Florida International University

Dr. DESMOND BLACKBURN; CEO, New Teacher Center

EMILY BOUCK; Policy & Advocacy Director, Higher Learning Advocates

EDWARD E. BURR; President & CEO, GreenPointe Holdings

MANDY CLARK; Executive Director, IMPACT Florida

The Honorable BOB CORTES; Former Representative, Florida House of Representatives

BRENDA DICKINSON; President, Home Education Foundation

The Honorable ERIKA DONALDS; Former Board Member, Collier County School Board

AUBREY EDGE; President & CEO, First Coast Energy

T. WILLARD FAIR; President & CEO, Urban League of Greater Miami

Dr. ANGELA GARCIA FALCONETTI; President, Polk State College

Dr. ALVIN S. FELZENBERG; Presidential Historian & Lecturer, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania

BRUCE FERGUSON; President & CEO, CareerSource Northeast Florida

KEITH FLAUGH; Managing Director, Florida Citizens Alliance

The Honorable DON GAETZ; Former President, Florida Senate

ROBERT HAAG; President & CEO, Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools

JONATHAN HAGE; CEO, Charter Schools USA

GREG HAILE; President, Broward College

BILL HEAVENER; Chairman, University of Florida Board of Trustees

WARREN HUDSON; President, Lake Highland Preparatory School

RUSSELL HUGHES; Superintendent, Walton County School District

Dr. ALLAN I. JACOB; Chairman & Chief Medical Officer, Physicians Dialysis

MIMI JANKOVITS; Executive Director, Teach Florida

JOHN KIRTLEY; Founder and Chairman, Step Up for Students

EUGENE LAMB; Board of Trustees, Tallahassee Community College

LYNN LAYTON; Executive Director, Monique Burr Foundation for Children

CRAIG MATEER; Founder & CEO, Bags, Inc.

Dr. KIM MCDOUGAL; Former Chief of Staff, Governor Rick Scott and Education Policy Expert

Dr. EDWARD MEADOWS; President, Pensacola State College

CONNIE MILITO; Chief Government Relations Officer, Hillsborough County Public Schools

KELI MONDELLO; Co-Founder & Board Chairman, LiFT Academy

STEVE MOORE; President, The Vestcor Companies, Inc.

Dr. ED MOORE; President, Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida

The Honorable LUBBY NAVARRO; School Board Member, Miami-Dade County

LYNN NORMAN-TECK; Executive Director, Florida Charter School Alliance

Dr. MADELINE PUMARIEGA; Former Chancellor, Florida College System

RANDLE RICHARDSON; CEO, Accelerated Learning Solutions

LYN STANFIELD; Strategic Relations Manager, Apple

Rev. RICK STEVENS; Managing Director, Florida Citizens Alliance

The Honorable JOHN THRASHER; President, Florida State University

ANDY TUCK; Vice Chairman, Florida State Board of Education

FERNANDO ZULUETA; President, Academica Corporation

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis today announced the names of more than 45 advisors who will serve on his Transition Advisory Committee on the Economy. The list is comprised of some of Florida’s most recognized experts who will help the Governor-elect shape the future of Florida’s economy for years to come and build on the economic success Florida has seen under Governor Scott.

The Transition Advisory Committee on the Economy will be chaired by former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and Managing Partner of Weatherford Capital, WILL WEATHERFORD.

Other members of the Transition Advisory Committee on the Economy include:

MAUREEN ADAMS; President and General Manager, Calder Casino and Race Course
KUMAR ALLADY; Founder & CEO, Radise International
MAX ALVAREZ; Owner, Founder & President, Sunshine Gasoline Distributors
JOE ANDERSON; President, Anderson Columbia
The Honorable LOCKE BURT; Chairman and President, Security First
TOM BARRY; Senior Vice President, Atkins
The Honorable ALLAN BENSE; President, Partner, GAC Contractors
MATT CONNELL; Co-Founder & CEO, Total Military Management
CHRIS CORR; Senior Vice President, Real Estate, Public Affairs and President of Raydient, Rayonier
DANIEL DAVIS; President & CEO, JAX Chamber
SUSAN FERNANDEZ; Director of Corporate Communications and Government Relations, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas
BOB FLOWERS; President, CW Roberts Contracting
BRIAN FORD; COO, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
BLAKE GABLE; CEO, Barron Collier Companies
DANNY GAEKWAD; Founder & CEO, NDS USA and Founder, Danny G Hospitality Management
ERIC GREEN; CEO, JAXPORT
TONY GRIPPA; Former Senior Vice President, Brown and Brown
JOHN HAMLIN; President, Hamlin and Associates
STEVE HERRIG; CEO, SUNZ Insurance
CHUCK HINSON; Vice President State and Community Relations, TECO Energy
ERIC HOLM; Owner, Golden Corral
Capt. KEITH HOSKINS, USN (Ret); West District General Manager, Gulf Power
Commissioner RON HOWSE; President, Real Deal Development Group
MANNY KADRE; Chairman & CEO, MBB Auto, and Director, Home Depot
BENNY KLEPACH; Founder, Chairman & CEO, DFASS Group
DAVID KULIK; Retired former CEO, CEVA Logistics
TOM KUNTZ; Former CEO, SunTrust Banks, Florida
ROBERT “BOB” LLOYD; Executive Vice President, Brown and Brown
The Honorable LOCKE BURT; Chairman and President, Security First
JOE LOPANO; CEO, Tampa International Airport
RICK MURRELL; CEO, Tropical Shipping
YOLANDA NADER; CEO, Dosal Tobacco Corporation
LAUREN OAKLEY SCHWENK; Co-Owner, Cassidy Development and Homes
ANANTH PRASAD; President-Designate, Florida Transportation Builders Association
JOHN RITENOUR; Co-Founder and Chairman, Insurance Office of America
Fmr. Amb. JOHN ROOD; Chairman, The Vestcor Companies
JOEL SCHLEICHER; Executive Chairman and Founder, Focal Point Data Risk
ERIC SILAGY; President and CEO, Florida Power and Light
RICK SONTAG; President, Spring Bay Ventures
JAMAL SOWELL; Chief of Staff, Port Tampa Bay
BILL SPIVEY; Executive Director, Florida Development Finance Corporation
Capt. SAM STEPHENSON; President, Florida Harbor Pilots Association
JEREMY SUSAC; Vice President of Government Affairs, Lennar Homes and SunStreet
JEFF VINIK; Owner, Tampa Bay Lightning and Owner, Strategic Property Partners
BOB WARD; President and CEO, Florida Council of 100
LENNY WOLFE; Owner, Cornerstone Group
JOE YORK; President, AT&T Florida, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands

DeSantis was in South Florida to Finalize Hiring Shane Strum as Chief of Staff to the Governor