Tallahassee – Friday, June 17, 2022: Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed eight people to various state agencies.
Four appointed to the Board of Medicine:
Dr. Amy Derick – Dr. Derick is the Founder and Owner of Derick Dermatology. She previously served as Chair of the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Board and was named the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2021 Advocate of the Year. Dr. Derick earned her bachelor’s degree in pre-professional studies from the University of Notre Dame and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Chicago.
Dr. David Diamond – Dr. Diamond is a Physician at Florida Radiation Oncology. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology, is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, and is a Fellow of the American College of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Diamond earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Florida.
Dr. Patrick Hunter – Dr. Hunter is a General Pediatrician with Pensacola Pediatrics and a Clinical Professor at Florida State University’s College of Medicine. He is a veteran of the United States Army and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Hunter earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology from Miami University, his master’s degree in bioethics from the University of Mary, and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Louisville.
Nicole Justice – Justice is the Senior Director of Patient Safety at Tampa General Hospital. She is a member of the Florida Society for Healthcare Risk Management and Patient Safety and is the past Chairman of RISE Tampa’s board. Justice earned her bachelor’s degree in management from the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in jurisprudence in health and hospital law and pharmaceutical and medical device compliance law from Seton Hall University’s School of Law.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Two appointed to the State Retirement Commission:
Michael Kessie – Kessie, of Bradenton, is the former Chief of Police of the New College of Florida Police Department. Previously, he served as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Detective Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief of Operations for the Schererville, Indiana, Police Department and Deputy Sheriff for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Kessie is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and previously served as the Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board Chair for Suncoast Technical College and as the Vice President of the Florida Police Chief’s Association.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Azhar Khan – Khan, of Tallahassee, is a Senior Economist in the Office of Policy and Budget for the Executive Office of the Governor. He was previously an economist for the Florida Legislature and numerous state agencies. Khan earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s in business administration and management of information systems from Florida State University.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
One appointed to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority:
David Hodges Jr. – Hodges, of Jacksonville, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hodges Management Group and 925 Partners Insurance Agency. He previously served as a member of the Jacksonville Housing Authority and was Chairman of the Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Hodges earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Liberty University and his master’s degree in business administration from Jacksonville University.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
One appointed to the Florida Athletic Commission:
John Holley – Holley, of Tallahassee, is the Vice President of State Government Affairs at Florida Power and Light Company. Holley earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and English from Florida State University and juris doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
