In a series of major appointments aimed at strengthening state institutions and enhancing public service across Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis today announced a slate of nominations and reappointments covering education, veterans’ affairs, children’s services, and workforce appeals.
Governor DeSantis appointed Dr. Larry Antonucci and reappointed Robbie Roepstorff to the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees.
- Dr. Larry Antonucci is the President and CEO of Lee Health, and he brings extensive healthcare administration experience, having served as COO at Lee Health and Cape Coral Hospital. He currently chairs the Florida Hospital Association Board of Directors and serves on the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Antonucci earned his MBA from the University of South Florida and his MD from the University of Miami.
- Robbie Roepstorff, founder and president of Edison National Bank and Bank of the Islands, previously served on the Florida Transportation Commission. A graduate of the University of North Alabama, Roepstorff is active in his community and serves on the Southwest Florida Community Foundation Executive Committee.
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In a related announcement, Governor DeSantis appointed Jonathan “Fizzle” Fay and Will Rodriguez and reappointed Jeffrey Cathey to the Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. Board of Directors.
- Jonathan “Fizzle” Fay serves as Director of Asset Management at Airline MRO Parts and is a recognized subject matter expert for HoldFast Headquarters. A U.S. Navy veteran and former Executive Officer of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels), Fay holds a bachelor’s in economics from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School.
- Will Rodriguez is a Partner at Corcoran Partners, with a background in public service as a former Senior Advisor to the Florida Speaker of the House and Director of Florida House Campaigns. A Navy veteran, Rodriguez also serves on the board of a Classical Preparatory School.
- Jeffrey Cathey is a retired Navy Captain who previously led Military and Veteran Affairs at Bank of America and served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida. Cathey currently serves on the Our Community Salutes Board of Directors and the Naval Aviation Museum Board of Directors and was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022.
Governor DeSantis also turned his attention to Florida’s youth and education with new appointments at the Children’s Services Councils.
In Leon County, he appointed Allison Richards and reappointed Richard “Paul” Mitchell and George “Mark” O’Bryant.
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- Allison Richards is the Commission Aide to Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban and has served as an Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Classroom Behavior Specialist, and Paraprofessional for Leon County Schools. She holds a bachelor’s in special education and teaching, as well as a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Florida State University.
- Richard “Paul” Mitchell is a Partner at The Southern Group and currently serves as Treasurer of the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political communications from Florida State University.
- George “Mark” O’Bryant is President and CEO of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Inc., and a former Chair of the United Way of the Big Bend and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. O’Bryant earned his bachelor’s from Brigham Young University and holds master’s degrees in both business administration and healthcare administration from Georgia State University.
In St. Lucie County, Governor DeSantis appointed five new members to the Children’s Services Council: Carmine Izzo Jr., Amy Longar, Candice Loupe, Andrew Treadwell, and Melanie Wiles.
- Carmine Izzo Jr. is the Deputy Chief of the Port St. Lucie Police Department and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He holds a bachelor’s in organization management from Warner University and a master’s in criminology and criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University.
- Amy Longar serves as Senior Director of Nursing at Cleveland Clinic Martin County. A recipient of the 2022 President’s Award from the Cleveland Clinic, Longar holds a bachelor’s in nursing from Indian River State College and master’s degrees in nursing leadership and business administration from Western Governors University.
- Candice Loupe is Senior Vice President and Client Experience Director at PNC Bank and has previously served on the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County. She earned her bachelor’s in business from Indian River State College and is completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Purdue Global.
- Andrew Treadwell is the Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Indian River State College. A board member of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Treadwell earned his bachelor’s in political science from the University of Florida and a master’s in higher education from Florida Atlantic University.
- Melanie Wiles is the Director of Parish Development at St. Anastasia Church and School, and Chair of Community Connected for Kids. Wiles holds a bachelor’s in communications from the University of South Florida.
Finally, Governor DeSantis reappointed Geri Atkinson-Hazelton to the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission.
- Geri Atkinson-Hazelton is a retired attorney who previously served as General Counsel and Attorney for the Commission. A Florida State University graduate with a law degree, she has been recognized for her public service with awards including the 2024 Walter A. Flansburg Lifetime Award from the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame and the 2007 Excellence in Public Service Award from the Government Lawyer Section of the Florida Bar.
All of these appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
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