Media Relations

Through an active media relations program, the Florida Association of Counties strives to build and maintain strong relationships with members of the media. In the world of county government, important issues can arise and transform rapidly. As such, a strong communication network between the association and the media helps to ensure fair and informed coverage of county-related issues.

Media inquiries may be directed to Communications Director Cragin Mosteller at (850) 922-4300 or cmosteller@fl-counties.com. County officials are also encouraged to send their news and updates to the association.

After hours media inquiries should be directed to Cragin Mosteller at (850) 294-9307.

Most Recent Release

Florida Association of Counties Appoints Commissioners from across Florida to the

Florida Chamber Foundation’s Six Pillars Caucus System

Securing Florida’s Future through Statewide Strategic Planning

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (MARCH 23, 2012) – The Florida Chamber Foundation announced that the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has appointed County Commissioners from across Florida to serve on their Six Pillars Caucus System™. These Commissioners will join more than 400 leaders from across the state on the Caucus System to help craft the Six Pillars 20-year Strategic Plan.

The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Six Pillars Caucus System is comprised of more than 400 top business leaders and issue experts from around the state. They are the guiding force in the development of the first-ever, statewide, 20-year strategic plan toward a future economy that includes high-paying jobs, global competitiveness and vibrant communities. The first iteration of this plan was released in 2011.

The Six Pillars is a product of years of collaboration and research by the Foundation that identifies the critical factors determining Florida’s future: 1) Talent Supply and Education, 2) Innovation and Economic Development, 3) Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, 4) Business Climate and Competitiveness, 5) Civic and Governance Systems, and 6) Quality of Life and Quality Places. The Commissioners appointed are:

Talent Supply & Education

Lee Pinkoson, Alachua County

Innovation & Economic Development

Doug Smith, Martin County

Infrastructure & Growth Leadership

Warren Yeager, Gulf County

Business Climate & Competitiveness

Karson Turner, Hendry County

Civic & Governance Systems:

Susan Latvala, Pinellas County

Quality of Life & Quality Places

Cyndi Stevenson, St. Johns County

“Using the Six Pillars framework allows each of our unique communities to collaborate using the same language towards the same goal – Florida’s success and job creation – and it is a huge opportunity for our great state,” said Commissioner Doug Smith, Martin County Commissioner and FAC President.

A county, region or statewide organization that adopts the Six Pillars™ as the framework for developing and communicating their local strategic plans are designated a Six Pillars Community as part of the Six Pillars Communities™ program. In addition to the benefits of participating in a common agenda, the local voices become a chorus for change when their own strategic visions provide input to the crafting of the statewide strategic plan via the Six Pillars Caucus System.

Each county, region or statewide organization that has formally adopted the Six Pillars framework will have the opportunity to appoint local representatives (aligned with the Six Pillars) to the Caucus System to ensure local strategic plans inform the statewide planning process

“The Foundation looks forward to working along-side these Commissioner’s to refine goals, strategies and tactics that will enhance the state’s Six Pillars 20-year Strategic Plan for prosperity,” said Dr. Dale A. Brill, President of the Florida Chamber Foundation.

Others interested in getting involved in the discussion are encouraged to join the Six Pillars collaborative website. This site is designed to foster discussions surrounding the Six Pillars and will help formulate the recommendations for the strategic plan. The online community is a way to engage in discussions through sharing, evaluating and critiquing of ideas and issues. Those interested should email FloridaSixPillars@FLFoundation.org for an invitation to the site.

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The Florida Chamber Foundation is the business-led, solutions development and research organization working in partnership with state business leaders to secure Florida’s future. The Foundation’s “Six Pillars” serve as a visioning platform for developing the first-ever, long-term strategic plan for the state. The Foundation’s work focuses on: 1) Talent Supply and Education, 2) Innovation and Economic Development, 3) Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, 4) Business Climate and Competitiveness, 5) Civic and Governance Systems, and 6) Quality of Life and Quality Places. Founded in 1968, the Foundation is a critical voice for improving the state's pro-business climate to enable Florida to grow and prosper. For more information, visit www.FLFoundation.org.

For 80 years, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.

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Leadership Bios
Doug Smith, President
Bill Williams, President-Elect
Bryan Desloge, 1st Vice President
Kenneth T. Welch, 2nd Vice President
Ilene Lieberman, Immediate Past President
Chris Holley, Executive Director
John Wayne Smith, Legislative Director
Ginger Delegal, General Counsel / Deputy Executive Director