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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2014

CONTACT:Melanie Mowry Etters
Communications Director
(850) 414-7551

Governor Rick Scott Announces Reappointment of Barbara Palmer as Director for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Tallahassee -Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Barbara Palmer as director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Palmer was appointed the agency’s director in August 2012, having previously served as chief of staff since September 2011. Before her leadership roles began at APD, Palmer was the assistant secretary for administration at the Department of Children and Families.

Governor Scott said, “I am happy to announce the reappointment of Barbara Palmer today. Under her leadership, APD has been able to eliminate the critical needs waitlist and Florida has also become the first state in the nation to guarantee disabled children of active duty service members the chance to receive care while their parents are deployed in Florida. We are committed to providing every family with the opportunity to live the American Dream, and I know Barbara will continue to make sure we work each day to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

Director Barbara Palmer said, “This job is a true passion and I would like to thank Governor Scott for the honor of today’s reappointment. Our team at APD will continue to strive to serve Florida families and remain focused on our mission to make Florida the best state in the nation for every family.”

Palmer served more than 15 years as president and CEO of Palmer, Musick & Associates, and as associate vice-president for governmental relations at Florida State University. Palmer was FSU's first women's athletic director and served as director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants in the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Palmer earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Florida State University.