Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointments of Emery Gainey and TaShaunda “Nicole” Washington to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Board of Trustees. These appointments will take effect on January 7, 2025.
Emery Gainey
Emery Gainey currently serves as the Sheriff of Alachua County. He previously held the position of Chief of Staff for the Florida Attorney General’s Office and was appointed Sheriff of Marion County.
Gainey has been an active community leader and currently chairs the Santa Fe College District Board of Trustees. He earned an associate degree from Santa Fe College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida.
READ: Gov. DeSantis Announces 63 Appointments To Florida Judicial Nominating Commissions
TaShaunda “Nicole” Washington
TaShaunda “Nicole” Washington is the Founder of Washington Education Strategies, LLC. She also serves as a State Higher Education Policy Consultant for the Lumina Foundation and a State Policy Consultant for the Florida College Access Network. Washington is actively involved in community service, including her current appointment to the Miami Dade College District Board of Trustees.
She is a Board member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges and previously served as Vice Chair of the Constitution Revision Commission’s Education Subcommittee. Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, African American studies, and education from Princeton University, a master’s degree in elementary education from Mercy University, and a master’s degree in international and comparative education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
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