Governor Ron DeSantis announced today a slate of six appointments to the Florida Transportation Commission aimed at guiding state transportation policy and infrastructure investments.
The governor appointed Barbara Haselden and Hung Mai, and reappointed John Browning Jr., Richard Burke, David Genson, and Alex Lastra. The appointments now await confirmation by the Florida Senate.
New Appointees
Barbara Haselden
Haselden, Owner and President of Barbara L. Haselden, Inc., brings extensive leadership experience to the commission. A member of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and a Licensed Florida Life and Health Insurance Agent, Haselden is an alumna of Ball State University. Her appointment is expected to bolster the commission’s focus on effective public transportation solutions.
Hung Mai
Mai, President and CEO of H.T. Mai, Inc., has previously served on the Hillsborough River Basin Board and the Hillsborough County Planning Commission. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Saigon. His background in infrastructure planning is anticipated to contribute significantly to state transportation initiatives.
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Reappointed Members
John Browning Jr.
Browning, President of Browning Consulting and Browning Packing, and Vice President of Political Affairs at Murray H. Goodman, returns to the commission with a robust background in business and public affairs. A Florida State University graduate in business management, Browning is also currently serving on the Florida Historical Commission and is active in the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurants and Lodging Association.
Richard Burke
Burke, an Operating Partner at Energy Capital Partners Management, LP, also serves as Chairman of the Board of Biffa. He is involved with the K9s for Warriors Board of Directors and the Environmental Research and Education Foundation Board of Directors. A graduate of Randolph Macon College, Burke’s expertise in management and finance is expected to enhance the commission’s oversight of transportation investments.
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David Genson
Genson, President of Development at Barron Collier Companies, is well known in his community as an active member of the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Collier, and Leadership Florida. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University, Genson’s experience in development and infrastructure will be a vital asset to the commission.
Alex Lastra
Lastra, Managing Partner of Desarrollo Florida, LLC, comes with a strong background in finance and development. He previously served as Senior Managing Director of Atlantic Pacific Development and as President and executive board member of the Latin Builders Association. Lastra holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida International University, positioning him to contribute to strategic planning and financial oversight on the commission.
The appointments are now pending confirmation by the Florida Senate, and further updates are expected as the confirmation process moves forward.
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