TALLAHASSEE –The Florida
Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to announce Kelley
Boree will serve as director of the Division of State Lands beginning
May 16, 2014.
“Kelley’s
vast work experience and knowledge of both the public and private sector is
going to prove invaluable to the department,” said Deputy Secretary for Land
and Recreation Katy Fenton. “Her commitment to Florida’s parks and
extensive background with land acquisitions make her the ideal candidate for
this position.”
Boree joins the department from the City of Jacksonville, where she has served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the past four years, overseeing one of the largest park systems in the state. As a current member of the Acquisition and Restoration Council, she is active in
the evaluation, selection and ranking of state land acquisition
projects on the Florida Forever priority list, as well as the review of
management plans and land uses for all state-owned conservation lands.
Boree is a graduate of Williams Woods College
with a degree in Business Administration and is a Certified Park &
Recreation Professional, an active member of the Florida Recreation and
Parks Association, and the National Recreation and Parks
Association. She has been involved in a number of creative partnerships
such as the Timucuan Trails State and National Parks, a partnership
between the Florida Park Service, National Park Service and the City of
Jacksonville. This partnership became a national model, linking federal,
state and local public lands to provide a seamless experience for
visitors.
“Kelley Boree has been a great
advocate for public lands who I have had the great fortune to work with
for many years,” said St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman. “She is a
fantastic choice and I know she will bring her passion and dedication to
this important position to celebrate and protect public lands for
Floridians and our environment.”
In her new role, Boree will be tasked with
ensuring state lands are accessible to all, while protecting the natural
resources for which the land was acquired.
“Kelley will be a great asset to the state of
Florida,” said Maria Mark, executive director for the Timucuan Trail
Parks Foundation. “Kelley's leadership in our parks department,
particularly with regard to Preservation Parks, has greatly benefited
Northeast Florida and she will be missed. But we are fortunate to have
someone with her experience in Tallahassee.”
As required by Florida Statute, Kelley’s
appointment is subject to confirmation at an upcoming Board of Trustees
of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund meeting.
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