TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Emery Gainey and TaShaunda “Nicole” Washington to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees. These appointments are effective January 7, 2025.
Gainey is the Alachua County Sheriff. Previously, he served as the Chief of Staff for the Florida Attorney General’s Office and was appointed as the Sheriff of Marion County. Active in his community, he currently serves as Chair of the Santa Fe College District Board of Trustees. Gainey earned his associate degree from Santa Fe College and his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida.
TaShaunda "Nicole" Washington
Washington is the Founder of Washington Education Strategies, LLC., a State Higher Education Policy Consultant for the Lumina Foundation, and a State Policy Consultant for the Florida College Access Network. Active in her community, she is currently appointed to the Miami Dade College District Board of Trustees, is a Board member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and previously served as the Vice Chair of the Constitution Revision Commission’s Education Subcommittee. Washington earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology, African American Studies, and education from Princeton University, her master’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Mercy University, and her master’s degree in international and comparative education from the Teacher’s College of Columbia University.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Two to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees