In a move to strengthen Florida’s response to a growing public health challenge, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of five members to the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee on Friday.
The latest slate of appointments introduces three new members—Tyler Jefferson, Michael Sims, and Kevin Whirity—while retaining the expertise of Samantha Ferrin and Jason Lederman through their reappointment.
The committee serves as a critical bridge between state policy and the lived experiences of Florida’s senior population.
Tyler Jefferson joins the group bringing a heavy background in state-level elder care, currently serving as the Vice President of Public Policy at the Alzheimer’s Association. Jefferson previously held high-level roles at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Department of Management Services.
Representing the private sector and community interests, Michael Sims, Executive Vice President of Far East Brokers & Consultants, Inc., and Kevin Whirity, Director of Government Affairs at Medical Microinstruments, round out the new appointments.
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Whirity, a U.S. Navy veteran, brings a diverse educational background with degrees from the Naval Academy and the University of Florida.
Continuing their service on the board are Samantha Ferrin and Jason Lederman. Ferrin is currently the Senior Government Relations Director at Elevance Health and has a history of leadership within the Florida Lottery.
Lederman, a retired detective from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, continues to represent the perspective of those working directly in home care services through his role at American In-Home Care.
These five individuals are tasked with advising the state on research, caregiver support, and the evolving needs of those diagnosed with the disease. Their combined backgrounds span law enforcement, corporate logistics, military service, and legislative policy, reflecting the
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