Department of Veterans’ Affairs Approved by the Florida Cabinet was former Representative Danny Burgess as Executive Director.
Enterprise Florida Former House Speaker Richard Corcoran has been named to the board of Enterprise Florida. The new Commissioner of Education was critical of the group during his tenure in the House.
Florida Department of Agriculture Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried made the following appointments: Stephen Hurm, a former police officer and attorney as director of the division of licensing. Hurm, who is married to former U.S. Representative Gwen Graham, will oversee the concealed weapons permitting and licensing program. Holly Bell will serve as director of cannabis. After a career in banking and financial services, Bell consulted on cannabis business issues in numerous states. Erin Moffet will be federal affairs director and Barzee Flores will be deputy commissioner for consumer affairs.
Florida GOP The Florida Republican Party has selected Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) as its next chairman and Jennifer Locetta has been hired as their executive director. Locetta previously worked at the White House and on presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Florida campaign in 2012 and then Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016.
Florida Wildlife Federation Appointed president and CEO was Preston Robertson. He replaces Manley Fuller who became Vice President for Conservation for the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.
Grammy Music Educator Award Florida music educator, Dr. Jeffery Redding, was awarded the 2019 Grammy Music Educator Award. Redding is the director of choral activities at West Orange High School and the executive director of the Garden Choir.
Dr. Lightning National Weather Service meteorologist John Jensenius retired last month after nearly 42 years of keeping track of lightning strikes in an effort to educate people about avoiding getting struck. Nicknamed Dr. Lightning, he recorded fatal strikes noting names, ages, locations, and the particular activity that caused the person to get struck.
Medal For Courage, Commitment, and Service First Lady Casey DeSantis’ “First Lady’s Medal for Courage, Commitment and Service,” which will honor Floridians who create positive change in their communities, was awarded to Carmen Townsend and Judi Zitiello. They are involved with the JT Townsend Foundation and the Funk-Zitiello Foundation in Ponte Vedra.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier was elected to serve as Vice President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).