Numerous people appointed or reappointed to Florida's Water Management Districts
Tallahassee, Florida — On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment or reappointment of numerous people to serve on the governing boards of several of Florida's Water Management Districts, to serve four-year terms ending March 1, 2028. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Southwest Florida Water Management District
Joshua Gamblin, appointment
Gamblin is the Ranch Manager of Stolen Saddle Ranch in Arcadia, Florida. Previously, he served as the Land Manager, Wildlife Biologist, and Private Land Burn Team Coordinator for the Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy. Gamblin earned his bachelor’s degree in natural resource management in wildlife from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and his master’s degree in forest resources and species conservation from the University of Florida.
John Mitten, reappointment
Mitten is the Franchise Owner of Chick-fil-A in Spring Hill, Florida and a former Chairman of the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. Active in his community, he is appointed to the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees and is a member of Jericho Road Ministries and Bible Basics International. Mitten earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University. Mitten serves as vice chair of the Governing Board.
Michelle Williamson, reappointment
Williamson is the Manager of G & F Farms, LLC in Dover, Florida. Active in her community, she is a member of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Board of Directors, the Hillsborough County Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Florida Farm Service Agency State Committee. Williamson received her associate degree from Hillsborough Community College. Williamson serves as chair of the Governing Board.
St. Johns River Water Management District
Douglas Bournique, reappointment
Bournique is the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Indian River Citrus League in Vero Beach, Florida, and the St. Lucie River Issues Team. Active in his community, he is a member of the Indian River Lagoon Council. Bournique earned his bachelor’s degree in geology from Whittier College.
Rob Bradley, reappointment
Bradley is a Partner at Oak Strategies, LLC in Orange Park, Florida and an Attorney and Managing Partner at Bradley, Garrison, & Komando, P.A. Previously, he was elected as a Florida State Senator and as a member of the Clay County Board of County Commissioners. Bradley earned his bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and his juris doctor from the University of Florida.
Northwest Florida Water Management District
Kellie Ralston, reappointment
Ralston is the Vice President of Conservation and Public Policy for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust in Miami, Florida. Previously, she served as the Southeast Fisheries Policy Director and Florida Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association. Active in her community, she is currently appointed to the Environmental Regulation Commission, is Chair of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, and is a member of the American Fisheries Advisory Committee. Ralston earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Florida State University.
Anna Upton, reappointment
Upton is the Chief Executive Officer of The Everglades Trust in West Palm Beach, Florida and the Managing Member of Anna H. Upton, P.L. Active in her community, she is a member of the Florida Bar, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States District Courts for the Middle, Northern, and Southern Districts of Florida. She is the recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award and is a four-time recipient of the Super Lawyers Rising Star Award. Upton earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wake Forest University and her juris doctor from Stetson University.
South Florida Water Management District
Benjamin Butler, reappointment
Butler, of Lorida, Florida, is Partner and Vice President of Butler Oaks Farm, Inc. Active in his community, he is the founding board member of the United Dairy Farmers of Florida, director of the Okeechobee Farm Bureau, the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show, and is President-Elect of the Florida FFA Foundation. He is the recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award from the Vance Publishing Corporation. Butler earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal sciences from the University of Florida.
Carlos “Charlie” Martinez, reappointment
Martinez, of Coral Gables, Florida, is the Owner and Manager of CEM Investments, Inc. Active in his community, he is a member of the Everglades Foundation, the Baptist Hospital of Miami, and the Latin Builder’s Association. Martinez earned his bachelor’s degree in building construction from the University of Florida.