DEP ANNOUNCES NEW DIVISION OF STATE LANDS DIRECTOR

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr. 17, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP ANNOUNCES NEW DIVISION OF STATE LANDS DIRECTOR

~Kelley Boree brings to the department more than 20 years of experience in land protection~

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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.