Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made sweeping appointments and reappointments to the Boards of Trustees (BOT) for two state universities.
Dr. Larry Antonucci was newly appointed to serve on the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) BOT. Antonucci has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, currently serving as president and CEO of a hospital system. He was promoted to the role after operating as the system’s chief operating officer (COO) and chief administrative officer.
He is chair of the Florida Hospital Association Board of Directors (BOD) and is a sitting member of the FGCU Foundation and Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida. He has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida (USF) and received his medical degree from the University of Miami (UM).
Robbie Roepstorff will remain a member of the FGCU BOT after being reappointed alongside Antonucci. Roepstorff is the founder, president and director of two banks. She is a current member of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation Executive Committee and previously served on the Florida Transportation Commission. She has been involved with the FGCU since 2010. Roepstorff has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political science from the University of North Alabama.
The Pensacola State College (PSC) BOT has welcomed four new appointments. Dr. Joel Rudman is the first, currently working as a family practice physician with more than 25 years of medical experience. Rudman serves in the Florida House of Representatives, elected to the role in 2022 to represent the state’s 3rd District. He earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Edward Fleming was also appointed to the board. A law practitioner, Fleming also serves as a commissioner on the 1st District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. He has been a member of the commission for 12 years, previously serving two terms as chairman and two as vice chairman. He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Andrew Hobbs is the current chief deputy of administration for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He has been with the office since 2003. In his current position, he oversees the Administration Division covering critical functions ranging from Human Resources to the Public Information Office to Civil Operations. Hobbs earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University and graduated from the FBI National Academy.
Zachary Smith is the final appointment to the PSC BOT. Smith currently works as a senior legal fellow and manager of an advocacy program for a think tank. He serves as a commissioner on the 1st Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission. He previously served as the assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Florida. He has a law degree, master’s degree in political science and bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Florida.
