| PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONERS On September 18th, Governor Scott announced his selections for the two vacancies on the Public Service Commission. Chosen from a list of seven applicants, Julie Brown will retain her seat and State Representative Jimmy Patronis will join the Commission. Their terms will end January, 1, 2019.NEW REGIONAL DCF DIRECTOR Bronwyn Stanford, deputy director of Children’s Legal Services, will be the new director for the Southern Region for the Department of Children and Families. Interim Secretary Mike Carroll made the announcement after a report identified major problems in the Miami-Dade and Monroe county region, including a spike in the number of children needing services. Current director Gilda Ferradaz will remain as deputy managing director.
DONNA SHALALA RETIRES University of Miami president Donna Shalala announced she will be retiring in 2015. She came to UM in 2001 after serving eight years as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton. THOMAS UNIVERSITY PROVOST Irma Becerra-Fernandez, Ph.D. was named provost of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens. She comes to St. Thomas from Florida International University where she served as the vice president of the Office of Engagement. CENTRAL FLORIDA EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY On November 19th, Governor Scott signed an executive order officially removing Scott Batterson from the Central Florida Expressway Authority. Batterson was found guilty by a jury of bribery by a public servant and unlawful compensation for official behavior. Both carry possible sentences of up to 15 years. His sentencing is scheduled for October 17th. Scott had previously suspended Batterson from The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority, which came under the control of the Central Florida Expressway Authority in June. JUDGE BELVIN PERRY RETIRES Orange County Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., most recently known for presiding over the criminal case of Casey Anthony, has joined a local law firm. Judge Perry retired on August 31st after 25 years on the bench. In 1989, Perry became the first African-American judge in Orange County. |
