Tallahassee - Friday July 8, 2022: Governor DeSantis Friday made the following six appointments:
One person appointed to the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Melanie Surber - Melanie Surber of Delray Beach has been appointed to serve as Judge on the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court. Surber has served as a Judge on the Palm Beach County Court since her appointment by Governor DeSantis in 2019. Previously, she served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General for 19 years in the Criminal Appeals Division. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Surber fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Janis Brustares Keyser.
One person appointed to the University of North Florida Board of Trustees.
Clarence “Steve” Moore - Moore, of Saint Johns, is the President of Vestcor. He is currently serving on the Duval County Research and Development Authority and was previously an Assistant Dean of the University of North Florida’s Coggin College of Business. Moore earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of North Florida.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Four appointed to the Board of Auctioneers
Donald Cotton - Cotton, of Cantonment, is a Realtor with ERA Old South Properties. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Auctioneers Association and is a member of the National Auctioneers Association. Cotton is a veteran of the United States Army Reserve and the United States Marine Corps. Cotton earned his bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Auburn University.
Stan Crooks - Crooks, of Lake Worth, is the President of Auction America, Inc. He is a two-time past President, Hall of Fame recipient, and an active member of the Florida Auctioneer’s Association. Crooks is also a member of the National Auctioneer’s Association and the National Association Bankruptcy Trustees.
Ransom Hartman - Hartman, of Palm City, is the owner of Ransom R. Hartman, LLC. He is a licensed auctioneer and is a member of the National and Florida Auctioneer’s Associations. Hartman earned his bachelor’s degree in construction management from Illinois State University.
Pamela Steele - Steele, of Tallahassee, is the Human Resources Manager of Acumera, Inc. She previously served on the Leon County Board of County Commissioners Value Adjustment Board. Steel earned certifications in office system technology and medical transcription from Tallahassee Community College.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.