Office of Senate President

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President

Kathleen Passidomo

President

Contact:

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Location:

409, The Capitol

Office Mailing Address:

404 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

Phone: (850) 487-5229

Staff

Andrew Mackintosh,
Chief of Staff
Reynold Meyer,
Deputy Chief of Staff
Katie Betta,
Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications
Allie Cleary,
Senior Policy Advisor for Healthcare
Jay Ferrin,
Senior Policy Advisor for Ag., Env., Gov't. Oversight, Ethics, and Elections
Jennifer Hrdlicka,
Senior Policy Advisor for Econ. Dev., Infrastructure, and Security
Christie Letarte,
Senior Policy Advisor for Banking and Insurance
Kathy Mizereck,
Senior Policy Advisor for Education
Lauren Jones,
Senior Policy Advisor for Criminal Justice and Judiciary
Megan Ramba,
Scheduler and Office Manager
Jacqueline Peters,
Professional Development and District Staff Coordinator
Samuel Williams,
Administrative Assistant

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The Senate President is a constitutional officer who leads the Florida Senate for a two-year term. The President, who is elected by members of the Senate, manages the operations of the Senate and presides over its sessions. The President’s many duties include: selecting a Majority Leader, appointing Senators to standing Senate committees, appointing committee chairs, and appointing citizens to a variety of boards and commissions.

Initiatives

Legislative Appointments

The President of the Senate has appointing authority for a diverse number of boards and commissions throughout the state. These boards and commissions include:

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Advisory Council for the Website Information Clearinghouse on Developmental Disabilities
The Advisory Council provides assistance to the Department of Health relating to the needs of patients and families of patients with developmental disabilities in the establishment of the information clearinghouse on developmental disabilities.
- Total Number of Members: 9
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3
www.doh.state.fl.us/Family/Clearinghouse/Index.html
Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee
Advise the Department of Elder Affairs on the treatment of a person with Alzheimer’s Disease and their caretakers.
- Total Number of Members: 15
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 11
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2 (1 must be a sitting member of the Senate)
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
Biomedical Research Advisory Council (BRAC)
The James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program works within the Department of Health to provide a perpetual annual source of funding for research in the areas of tobacco-related cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. The BRAC is charged with developing the strategic objectives and priorities of the programs, and with recommending which research proposals should be funded, based on the scientific merit of the proposals.
- Total Number of Members: 11
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
http://www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/research/funding-opportunity-announcements/kingfoa.html
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors
Citizens is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt government corporation whose public purpose is to provide insurance protection to Florida property owners throughout the state.
- Total Number of Members: 8
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
www.citizensfla.com
Commission on Ethics
The Commission on Ethics upholds the standards of conduct for the employees of the state, counties, cities, and other political subdivisions of Florida.
- Total Number of Members: 9
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
www.ethics.state.fl.us
Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse
The Commission examines the current methods of providing mental health and substance abuse services in Florida and improve the effectiveness of the current practices.
- Total Number of Members: 19
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 7
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by other: 2
Council for Early Grade Success
The Council will review the implementation of, training for, and outcomes from the coordinated screening and progress monitoring program to provide recommendations to the Department of Education that support grade 3 students reading at or above grade level.
- Total Number of Members: 17
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 7
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 7
Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys
The Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys studies adverse societal conditions effecting black males including homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rates, poverty, drug abuse, death rates, school performance, and health issues and propose measures to correct the underlying causes of these issues.
- Total Number of Members: 19
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4
www.cssbmb.com
Direct-Support Organization Within The Department of Legal Affairs (Human Trafficking)
To provide assistance, funding, and support to the Statewide Council on Human trafficking and to assist in the fulfillment of the council’s purposes.
- Total Number of Members: 13
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by other: 5
Enterprise Florida Board of Directors
Oversees the Enterprise Florida Corporation; a non-profit organization that assists in the expansion and development of black business enterprise through communication with Government agencies.
- Total Number of Members: 19
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 6
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4
www.eflorida.com
Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council
The Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council recommends solutions to the Board of Governors and the State Surgeon General regarding methods to control and prevent cancer throughout the state.
- Total Number of Members: 15
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 11
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
ccrab.org
Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research Scientific Advisory Council
The Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research Scientific Advisory Council advises a coordinated research effort to treat and cure cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors. The Council works with The Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Institute of the University of Florida who collaborate with other brain cancer research institutions in a unified effort to cure brain tumors.
- Total Number of Members: 11
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3
http://fcbtr.ufl.edu/category/fcbtr/
Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation Executive Council
The Florida Clerk of the Courts Operations Corporation reviews proposed budgets related to the Courts.
- Total Number of Members: 11
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1
flccoc.org/executive-council/
Florida Commission on the Status of Women
The Florida Commission on the Status of Women studies the changing and developing roles of women in American society. The Commission addresses issues that include domestic violence, gender equity, family, employment, education, and healthcare.
- Total Number of Members: 22
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4
fcsw.net
Florida Council on Arts and Culture
The Florida Council on Arts and Culture advises the Secretary of State regarding cultural grant funding and on all matters pertaining to culture in Florida.
- Total Number of Members: 15
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 7
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4
www.florida-arts.org/about/fcac
Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council
The Council will assist state agencies in protecting their information technology resources from cybersecurity threats and incidents.
- Total Number of Members: 19
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 9
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by other: 8
Florida Defense Support Task Force
The Defense Support Task Force improves the state's military-friendly environment and prepares the state to effectively compete in federal base realignment and closure action.
- Total Number of Members: 13
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4
www.eflorida.com/fdstf/about.html
Florida Education Fund Board of Directors
The Florida Education Fund board of directors oversees the Florida Education Fund; a state program which matches half of the funds contributed by private sources in order to fund scholarships and educational opportunities in the state of Florida.
- Total Number of Members: 12
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
www.floridaeducationfoundation.org
Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council
The Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council facilitates cooperation between the State Government and Florida's faith-based and community-based organizations in order to deliver services more effectively.
- Total Number of Members: 25
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 17
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 4
www.flgov.com/fbcb/
Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council
The Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council advises the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development and the Office of Film and Entertainment on developing, marketing, and promoting the state's entertainment industry.
- Total Number of Members: 17
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 7
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 5
filminflorida.com/advisorycouncil/
Florida Greenways and Trails Council
The Florida Greenways and Trails Council manages the maintenance of Florida's greenways and trails. They are tasked with overseeing conservation corridors, greenbelts, recreational trails, scenic corridors, reserves, regional parks and preserves, ecological sites, freshwater and saltwater paddling trails, and other nature-centric roadways throughout the state.
- Total Number of Members: 20
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3
https://floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/content/florida-greenways-and-trails-council
Florida Historical Commission
The Florida Historical Commission prioritizes the preservation of historical and archeological sites in the State of Florida. They also provide programs to encourage public interest and involvement in the preservation of Florida's historic and archeological sites.
- Total Number of Members: 11
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 7
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
http://dos.myflorida.com/historical/about/florida-historical-commission/
Florida is for Veterans, Inc., Board of Directors
Florida is for Veterans, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation created within the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. To promote Florida as a veteran-friendly state to retired and recently separated military personnel; to promote the value of military skillsets to businesses in the state; to facilitate workforce training to veterans to meet the needs of employers; and to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of veterans.
- Total Number of Members: 9
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3
veteransflorida.org
Florida Small Business Development Center Network Statewide Advisory Board
The Florida Small Business Development Center Network Statewide Advisory Board advises, counsels, and confers with the statewide director on matters pertaining to the operation of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. The purpose of the network is to serve emerging and established for-profit, privately held businesses that maintain a place of business in the state.
- Total Number of Members: 19
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 3
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 3
https://floridasbdc.org/about-us/state-advisory-board/
Florida Talent Development Council
To develop a coordinated, data-driven, statewide approach to meeting Florida’s needs for a 21st century workforce that employers and educators use as part of Florida’s talent supply system.
- Total Number of Members: 16
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by other: 13
http://www.floridajobs.org/TalentDevelopmentCouncil
Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame Council
The Council nominates persons to be considered for induction into the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.
- Total Number of Members: 7
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1
https://floridaveteranshalloffame.org
Government Efficiency Task Force
Government Efficiency Task Force shall develop recommendations for improving governmental operations and reducing costs.
- Total Number of Members: 15
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 5
https://www.dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/government_efficiency_task_force
Industrial Hemp Advisory Council
To provide advice and expertise to the Department of Agriculture with respect to plans, policies, and procedures applicable to the administration of the state hemp program.
- Total Number of Members: 15
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by other: 9
https://www.fdacs.gov/About-Us/Advisory-Councils-and-Committees/Industrial-Hemp-Advisory-Council
Public Service Commission Nominating Council
The Public Service Commission Nomination Council nominates candidates to the Governor to fill vacancies on the Public Service Commission; a body which ensures Floridians receive services like natural gas, electricity, telephone, water, and wastewater in a safe affordable manner.
- Total Number of Members: 12
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 6
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 6
www.leg.state.fl.us/cgi-bin/View_Page.pl?File=index.cfm&Directory=committees/joint/pscnc/
Rare Disease Advisory Council
The Advisory Council will provide recommendations on ways to improve health outcomes for individuals residing in this state who have a rare disease.
- Total Number of Members: 22
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 10
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 6
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 6
http://www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/rdac/index.html
State Council On Interstate Educational Opportunity for Military Children
To provide advice and recommendations on the state’s participation and compliance with Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children.
- Total Number of Members: 8
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by other: 4
Military Family Resources (fldoe.org)
The Initiative Technology Advisory Council
To advise the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative on ways to develop prevention, control, and mitigation technologies and approaches to address the impacts of red tide on coastal environments and communities in this state.
- Total Number of Members: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by other: 2
https://mote.org/research/program/Florida-Red-Tide-Mitigation-and-Technology-Development-Initiative
Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council
The Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council advises and reviews a statewide program aimed at reducing the prevalence of tobacco usage among youth, adults, and pregnant women. The program includes the funding of educational marketing campaigns, community and youth programs, as well as counseling and referral services to those struggling with tobacco use related habits or diseases.
- Total Number of Members: 23
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 4
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 2
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 2
http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/tobacco-free-florida/tobacco-advisory-council.html
Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., Board of Directors
The Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., Board of Directors administers the Recovery Fund for the benefit of disproportionately affected counties that experienced economic damage from the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
- Total Number of Members: 5
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Governor: 0
- Total Number of Members appointed by the President of the Senate: 1
- Total Number of Members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 1
https://www.myfloridatriumph.com