Tallahassee, FL — April 9, 2019

Veterans Florida, a nonprofit corporation created by the State of Florida that provides veterans and transitioning service members with career opportunities and entrepreneurship resources, recently announced that they have welcomed two new board members to their team. Florida Senate President Bill Galvano appointed Lynda L. Weatherman and Angela Drzewiecki on March 26th. Both new appointees are highly successful business women with experience in government and military affairs. President Galvano also reappointed Tom Rice to the Board of Directors, where he serves as Treasurer.

“We are pleased to welcome Lynda Weatherman and Angela Drzewiecki to the Veterans Florida Board,” said Jim Sampey, Chair of the Board of Directors for Veterans Florida. “As two proven leaders in their communities, Veterans Florida will benefit from their unique perspectives and the enthusiasm they bring to the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. We also want to thank previous board members Jim Bagby and Prebble Ramswell for their service to our organization.”

“I’m honored to be re-appointed to the Veterans Florida Board of Directors,” said Tom Rice, a retired US Army First Sergeant in Fort Walton Beach, member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame and owner of the Magnolia Grill, which employs veterans and their families. “I am excited to continue our work alongside two accomplished individuals that are passionate about maximizing veteran employment opportunities in Florida.”

Lynda L. Weatherman, the first of two newly appointed board members, currently serves as the President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. She is responsible for attracting new businesses and the retention of existing industry throughout the Space Coast. Previously, Weatherman has held leadership posts with the Florida Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and Marion County Economic Development Agency. In 2010, she was selected as a member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program, serving as an advisor, key communicator, and advocate for the Air Force and providing ideas and feedback to the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff.

“The work this organization is doing is vital to our communities and especially to veterans and their families currently living in Florida,” said Lynda L. Weatherman. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to join the Veterans Florida Board of Directors and continue working on these important economic issues.”

Angela Drzewiecki, the second newly appointed board member, is a consultant at Peebles, Smith & Matthews, a well-regarded government affairs firm in Tallahassee, Florida. Prior to joining Peebles, Smith & Matthews, she worked as a legislative consultant at Southern Strategy Group, where she cultivated a deep understanding of clients’ interests in active legislation and reinforced their positions on issues.

“I’m very proud to be able to join the Veterans Florida team as a new Board Member,” said Angela Drzewiecki. “I look forward to working alongside talented individuals to place veterans in new careers, help them start new businesses, and further the mission of keeping Florida the nation’s most veteran-friendly state.”

For more information regarding Veterans Florida, please visit https://www.veteransflorida.org.