Press Release – Governor Rick Scott
Governor Scott Names Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sutphin as Interim Executive Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced his nomination for the interim appointment to fill the vacancy at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs created by the resignation of Mike Prendergast. Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sutphin is named as the interim appointment subject to the approval by the three members of the Cabinet. The Florida Cabinet will meet on April 26th to vote on Lieutenant Colonel Sutphin becoming the interim appointment.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Glenn has done a great job at the Department of Military Affairs advocating for all of Florida’s National Guardsmen for almost 20 years. He served alongside the brave men and women of our state in the Florida National Guard and has dedicated his career to not only making sure all Floridians are safe, but also making Florida the most veteran friendly state in the nation. As a disabled veteran, I am confident he will provide great leadership while continuing to advocate for all of Florida’s veterans.
Sutphin has served as the Chief of Staff and Legislative Affairs Director of the Department of Military Affairs since 1999. Prior to that he served in the Florida National Guard as a U.S. Army Officer and Field Artillery Officer for over 30 years. He also worked as the Desoto County Development Director while serving as a guardsman. He has been awarded over 50 medals including the Legion of Merit and the Florida Cross, the highest award in Florida, for exceptional performance in outstanding service and achievement. He was also awarded the Order of Saint Barbara and the Bronze Order of Mercury for outstanding innovation in programming.
The Cabinet Governance Guidelines (link) adopted by the Governor and Cabinet call for the Governor to name an interim appointee to temporarily fill a vacancy, subject to the approval by the Cabinet. The process of making a permanent appointment will also be governed by the Cabinet Governance Guidelines.
To view the letter Governor Scott sent to Cabinet members please click HERE.
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