Florida - Saturday January 7, 2023: Governor DeSantis has made the following 25 appointments:
Seven appointed to the Board of Pharmacy
Dr. Jonathan Hickman - Dr. Hickman is the Medical Executive Director for Genentech. Previously, he was the National Clinical Account Director and Medical Science Liaison for AstraZeneca. Dr. Hickman earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Daniel Kirk - Kirk is the Head of Strength and Conditioning for Florida Southern College. He is a former Athletic Performance Coaching Assistant with the University of Vermont and the University of Tampa. Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in sports and fitness from the University of Central Florida and his master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science from the University of Tampa.
Dr. Cristina Medina - Dr. Medina is a Talent Acquisition Manager with CVS Health. She is the Vice Chair of the Journal Board and a current member of the Florida Pharmacy Association. Dr. Medina earned her associate degree from Miami Dade College and her Doctor of Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Jeffrey Mesaros - Dr. Mesaros is the Senior Pharmacy and Compliance Counsel for Roman Health Ventures. He was elected in May to serve as the Treasurer of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Dr. Mesaros earned his master’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Florida, his Doctor of Pharmacy from Wilkes University, and his juris doctor from the University of Miami.
Jeenu Philip - Philip is the Director of Pharmacy Affairs for Walgreens. He was previously the Senior Manager of Pharmacy Affairs and the Area Healthcare Supervisor for Walgreens. Philip earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from St. John’s University.
Stephen “Ryan” West - West is the Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation. He is the former Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Financial Services and a former Policy Chief for the Florida House of Representatives. West earned his bachelor's degree in history and his master’s degree in political science from Florida State University.
Maja Gift - Gift is the Director of Pharmacy Services at Tampa General Hospital. She currently serves as an advisory board member for the University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy. Gift earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Boston University, her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Utah, and her master’s degree in healthcare administration from Ohio University.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Four appointed to the Board of Chiropractic Medicine
Dr. Todd Cielo - Dr. Cielo is the President and Owner of Cielo Sports and Family Chiropractic Centre. As a practicing chiropractor for the past 20 years, he is a lecturer for continuing education organizations in Florida and is an accredited lecturer for the Florida Bar Association. Dr. Cielo earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his doctor of chiropractic medicine degree from Life University.
Luis Fuste - Fuste is an Attorney at Fuste Law, PA. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve and serves on the board of Little Bear Big Heart, Inc., Somerset Virtual Academy, and Doral College. Fuste earned his bachelor’s degree from Barry University and his juris doctor from Florida International University.
Dr. Walton Melton - Dr. Melton is a Licensed Chiropractic Physician and Owner of Downtown Chiropractic and Sports Development. He serves on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Medical Review Board and is a member of the Florida Chiropractic Association and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Melton earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his doctor of chiropractic medicine degree from the National University of Health Sciences.
Dr. Michael Roberts - Dr. Roberts is a Licensed Chiropractic Physician at the West Bay Chiropractic Clinic. He is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard and an Examiner for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Dr. Roberts earned his doctor of chiropractic medicine degree from Logan University.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Three appointed to the Board of Podiatric Medicine
Dr. Robert Snyder - Dr. Snyder is the Dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine at Barry University. He is currently an honorary visiting professor for the University of Wales and an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Snyder earned his bachelor’s degree from Long Island University, his master’s degree in business administration from George Washington University, his master’s degree in science from Cardiff University at the University of Wales, and his doctor of podiatric medicine from New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Cary Zinkin - Dr. Zinkin is a Podiatric Physician at Upperline Health Florida. He is the current president of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Zinkin earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Adelphi University and his doctor of podiatric medicine from New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Mark Block - Dr. Block is a Podiatric Physician in private practice. He is a Past President of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association and is Chair Emeritus of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Health Policy Committee. Block earned his bachelor’s degree from Queen’s College and his doctor of podiatric medicine from New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Two appointed to the Board of Medicine
Dr. Gregory Coffman - Dr. Coffman is a Pediatrician at Orlando Health Physician Associates. With over 28 years of experience, he currently serves as the Co-Vice Chair of the Department of Pediatrics for the Orlando Health Physician Association. Dr. Coffman is a United States Air Force veteran who earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and his Doctor of Medicine from Emory University.
Dr. Matthew Benson - Dr. Benson is a Pediatric Endocrinologist for Nemours Children’s Health. He is a current member of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research as well as the Pediatric Endocrine Society. Dr. Benson earned his bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College and his Doctor of Medicine from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Two re-appointed to the Board of Optometry
John Griffin - Griffin, of Tallahassee, is an Attorney with Carson & Linn, P.A. He previously served as Cabinet Aide and Chief of the Administrative Law Section of the Office of the Attorney General. Griffin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and his juris doctor from Stetson University.
Dr. Katie Spear - Dr. Spear, of Pensacola, is the Owner of The Vision Hub and Dr. Katie Gilbert Spear, PLLC. She is a member of the Florida Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and is a past Co-Editor of Women in Optometry. Dr. Spear earned her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, her master’s degree in public health from the University of Alabama, her doctorate of optometry from the University of Alabama, and her juris doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
One appointed to the Board of Governors of the State University System.
Jose R. Oliva - Oliva is the Chief Executive Officer at Oliva International Foods. A former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, he served as a State Representative from 2011–2020. Oliva is the current Director of the Cuban Liberty Council and serves on the Oliva Cigar Company Board of Directors. He previously served on the Hialeah Census Board and Housing Commission. Olivia attended St. Thomas University.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Three appointed to the E911 Board
Karen Dearden - Dearden, of Tallahassee, is the External Affairs Manager for AT&T Florida. She was previously the Communications Director for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Dearden earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in counseling and human systems from Florida State University.
Arnold Godwin - Godwin, of High Springs, is the Alachua County 911 Coordinator. He is a veteran of the United States Army and a current member of the Florida Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association and the Florida 911 Coordinators Association. Godwin attended Santa Fe College.
Jason Shimko - Shimko, of Fort Myers, is a Senior Account Director of Lumen. Previously, he was the Strategic Director of Government and Education for Summit Broadband. Shimko attended Florida Southwestern State College.
Three appointed to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women
Maruchi Azorin - Azorin, of Tampa, is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Villa Rosa Linens. She is a current member of the Tampa Bay History Center, The University of Florida’s Blue Key Alumni Advisory Council, and the City of Tampa Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council. Azorin earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Florida.
Melissa Stone - Stone, of Tallahassee, is the Chief Executive Officer for Cavalry Strategies. She was previously the Chief of Staff for former Governor Rick Scott. Stone earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
Maria Wells - Wells, of Jensen Beach, is a licensed Real Estate Broker for Lifestyle Realty Group. She was previously appointed to the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board by the State of Florida Insurance Commissioner. Wells was elected President of the Florida Realtors from 2017-2018 and elected Region 5 Vice President for the National Association of Realtors in 2019.