Friday - June 3, 2022: Governor Ron DeSantis Friday appointed 3 new and re-appointed eight current members to the state's water management districts, as well as making a Lake County School Board appointment.
Two re-appointed to the South Florida Water Management District:
Ronald “Ron” Bergeron - Bergeron, of Weston, is the President of Bergeron Land Development and Bergeron Properties and Investments Corporation. He is also the Founder of the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation. Bergeron is a member of the Everglades Coalition, the Florida Sportsmen Conservation Association, and a Governing Board Member on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force.
Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch - Thurlow-Lippisch, of Sewall’s Point, is a Referral Agent with Lifestyle Realty Group. She is a volunteer administrator of the River Kidz Organization and a member of the Guardians of Martin County and the Rivers Coalition Inc. Thurlow-Lippisch earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, and German from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in curriculum and development from the University of West Florida.
These re-appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Two re-appointed to the Southwest Florida Water Management District
Elijah “Ed” Armstrong III - Armstrong is a Shareholder with Hill Ward Henderson, P.A. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association. Armstrong earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland and juris doctorate from Vanderbilt University.
William Hogarth, PhD - Hogarth is the former Director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography at the University of South Florida. He was awarded the Carl R. Sullivan Fishery Conservation Award by the American Fisheries Society. Hogarth earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Richmond and his doctorate degree in marine fisheries from North Carolina State University.
These re-appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Two re-appointed to the St. John’s River Water Management District:
Cole Oliver - Oliver, of Merritt Island, is an Attorney and Partner with Rossway Swan. He is active in his community, serving on the boards of Cypress Trust, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, and the East Coast Zoological Society. Oliver earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Washington and Lee University, his master’s degree in finance from Louisiana State University, and juris doctorate from the University of Florida.
Janet Price - Price, of Fernandina Beach, is a Senior Manager of Environmental Affairs with Rayonier, Inc. She has previously served as Chairperson of the Water and Aquatic Biology Committee and as a member of the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement. Price earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and her master’s degree in biology from the University of Alabama.
These re-appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Two re-appointed to the Suwannee River Water Management District:
Charles Keith - Keith is the President and Owner of American Pawn Brokers, Inc. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge #114, Elks Lodge #893, and the Egypt Temple Shrine. Keith earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Armstrong State University.
Larry Sessions - Sessions is the Administrator of the Suwannee Valley Transit Authority. He is a Veteran of the United States Army. Sessions earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
These re-appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Three appointed to the Northwest Florida Water Management District:
Ted Everett - Everett, of Chipley, is the Executive Director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. He serves as the Chairman for Opportunity Florida and as a board member for Northwest Florida Community Hospital. Everett earned his associate degree in forestry from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Augusta University.
Nicholas “Nick” Patronis - Patronis, of Panama City Beach, is an owner of Captain Anderson’s Restaurant and Waterfront Market. He has served his community as a member of the Life Management Center of Northwest Florida Board of Directors, the Florida Restaurant Association, and the National Restaurant Association. Patronis attended Gulf Coast State College.
George Roberts - Roberts, of Panama City Beach, is the Vice President of Roberts and Roberts, Inc. He is a former member of the Development Board of Directors for Florida State University Panama City Campus. Roberts currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Transportation Builders Association.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
One person appointed to the School Board of Lake County:
Tyler Brandeburg - Brandeburg, of Leesburg, is a Commercial Insurance Advisor for Brown and Brown. He volunteers his time with the Educational Foundation of Lake County and is a member of Leadership Lake County Class of 2019. Brandeburg earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida.
This appointment is not subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.