December 19, 2006

Governor-Elect Crist Appoints Butterworth to head DCF
Source: Office of Governor-Elect Charlie Crist

TALLAHASSEE – Governor-Elect Charlie Crist today appointed former Attorney General Robert “Bob” Butterworth to serve as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families.

“I am truly honored that Bob has decided to return to public life,” said Governor-Elect Crist.” His dedication to public safety as sheriff of Broward County, as a county and circuit judge, and finally as the longest serving Attorney General of the State of Florida places him among the highest caliber of public servants.”

The Department of Children and Families manages programs including Florida’s foster care and adoption system, substance abuse treatment, food stamp, Medicaid, and financial programs and services that support victims of domestic violence and families in crisis. The variety of facilities, programs and services offered by the agency are designed to help benefit children, individuals, and families. 

“Governor-Elect Crist pledged his commitment to reforming Florida’s adoption system and working to provide Florida’s children with a safe and loving environment,” said Butterworth. “I am looking forward to working in the Department of Children and Families to ensure that we can achieve these goals.”

Crist added, “As Sheriff of Broward County, Bob was instrumental in developing a child protection unit, drug rehabilitation program, and juvenile crime prevention effort. Later as Attorney General, he implemented policies that have led to Florida’s continually declining crime rate. These are just a few examples of Bob’s commitment to children and families during his lifetime of service to our state.”

Bob Butterworth is currently the Dean of St. Thomas University School of Law. He served four terms as Attorney General of the State of Florida where he gained national recognition for his leadership in litigation against tobacco companies and his achievements in the areas of consumer protection and anti-trust litigation. He previously served as a Senior Judge with the State of Florida Judiciary and as Sheriff of Broward County. Butterworth graduated from the University of Florida and the University of Miami School of Law.

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CFO-ELECT ALEX SINK ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS, FOCUS ON ACCOUNTABILITY
Source: Office of CFO-Elect Alex Sink

TALLAHASSEE, FL— Chief Financial Officer-elect Alex Sink Tuesday announced the appointments of Eric Miller and Karen Chandler as deputy chief financial officers, Dr. Karen Stanford as research and planning administrator and Tara Klimek as communications director.

“I’m pleased to welcome experienced and talented professionals to my administration,” said Sink. “Their history of public service, commitment to accountability and leadership skills will be an asset to the Department of Financial Services and the people of Florida.”

Eric Miller, Deputy Chief Financial Officer-- To increase the Department of Financial Services’ focus on fraud prevention and investigation, Eric Miller has been promoted to the position of deputy chief financial officer. As deputy CFO, Miller will oversee the Divisions of State Fire Marshal, Insurance Fraud and Workers’ Compensation. Miller is currently the director of insurance fraud and has served as a sworn Florida law enforcement officer for over 24 years.

Karen Chandler, Deputy Chief Financial Officer-- With two decades of public service and a focus on consumer outreach, Karen Chandler will continue her service as deputy chief financial officer. As deputy CFO, Chandler will oversee the Divisions of Consumer Services; Insurance Agents and Agency Services; Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services; and the My Safe Florida Home mitigation program. Chandler has a proven track record of managing more than 1,000 state employees that advocate for Florida consumers in a variety of areas including: banking, insurance and funeral and cemetery services.

Dr. Karen Stanford, Research & Planning Administrator—A nationally-recognized expert in performance measures and cost-effective programming, Dr. Karen Stanford has accepted the position of research & planning administrator. In her new role, Dr. Stanford will spearhead the development of specific projects, including the implementation of more stringent accountability standards and the evaluation of state procurement practices. Dr. Stanford has served in the Department of Children and Families for the past eight years, focusing on performance, planning and contracting issues. Prior to her service at DCF, Dr. Stanford was executive director for the Florida Commission on Government Accountability to the People for five years, during CFO-elect Sink’s tenure as chair.

Tara Klimek, Communications Director-- A communications professional with several years experience in state government, Ms. Tara Klimek has accepted the position of director of communications. She recently served as communications director for the House Democratic Caucus in the Florida Legislature. She was also communications director for the Alex Sink for Chief Financial Officer Campaign, Tampa press secretary for Kerry/Edwards Victory 2004 Campaign and issues director for the Bill McBride for Governor Campaign. Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher’s Communications Director Tami Torres will serve as special program administrator for the My Safe Florida Home mitigation program under Deputy CFO Chandler.

CFO-elect Sink has previously appointed Jim Cassady as her chief of staff, Leslie “Les” Hallman to serve as the director of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Diana Flagg as the director of the Division of Administration.