Movers and Shakers

Appointments and Actions by Governor DeSantis:

Guardian ad Litem Reappointed executive director was Alan Abramowitz, who has served as the program’s director since 2010.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Appointed the statewide ombudsman was Michael Phillips. He fills the position, which had been vacant for ten months, having served as regional manager for the North Region of the program. He was inducted into both the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 2009.

Osceola County Commission Commissioner Fred Hawkins was suspended from the Commission by Governor DeSantis following his arrest for impersonating an officer. Hawkins won his primary election for a seat in the Florida Legislature and will face a democratic opponent in November.

Task Force on the Safe and Limited Re-Opening of Long-Term Care Facilities Appointed to this newly-formed task force were Mary Mayhew, Secretary, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration; Richard Prudom, Secretary, Florida Department of Elder Affairs; Dr. Scott Rivkees, State Surgeon General, Florida Department of Health; Gail Matillo, President and CEO, Florida Senior Living Association; Emmett Reed, Executive Director, Florida Health Care Association; Michelle Branham, Vice President of Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association; and Mary Daniel, a caregiver to her husband who has early onset Alzheimer’s disease.