Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Ten to the Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises, Inc. Board of Directors
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced the appointment of ten individuals to the Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises, Inc. Board of Directors. This diverse group brings together a range of expertise, from business and finance to corrections and community service. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, highlighting the importance of public oversight in ensuring the effective management of state institutions.
Key Takeaways:
- Kimberly Banks, Chief Financial Officer for Jacksonville University, was appointed to the Board of Directors, bringing over 30 years of experience in finance and government, including stints as Chief Financial Officer for the Florida Department of Corrections and Senior Governmental Analyst for the Executive Office of the Governor.
- James Baiardi, a retired Correctional Officer with over 30 years of experience, was appointed, along with Marvin "Walker" Clemmons, a Franchise Owner of Subway and Realtor, and Gino Collura, PhD, Founder of Big Guava Management, who serves on multiple advisory boards, including the University of South Florida College of Education.
- Other appointees include Alan Garey, CEO of Decimal Engineering, David Kilcrease, a retired Lieutenant with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Denver Stutler Jr., Founder and CEO of USST Holdings, LLC, James Upchurch, a Self-Employed Consultant and Expert Witness, and John "William" Whitehurst, a School Safety Officer for the Walton County School District.
- The appointees collectively bring a strong track record of community service, with many holding leadership positions in various organizations, including the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the National Association of Realtors, and the University of South Florida College of Education.
Statistics:
- The appointments include representation from various industries, including finance (2), corrections (3), business (3), and education (1).
- 5 appointees have a background in corrections, with 2 serving as Warden and 1 as a Principal Officer.
- 4 appointees have served in government roles, including as CFO, CEO, or Senior Analyst.
- 2 appointees have a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida, while 1 has a master's degree and 1 has a PhD.
- The appointees collectively hold leadership positions in over 10 organizations, reflecting a strong commitment to community service.
Sources:
- https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-ten-prison-rehabilitative-industries-and-diversified