Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has appointed Garrett Richter to the Board of Directors for Veterans Florida, the state-created resource for veterans seeking rewarding careers and training opportunities.

Passidomo also reappointed two board members – Angela Drzewiecki and Lynda Weatherman. Drzewiecki is a consultant with GrayRobinson. Weatherman is the President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. 

Richter has a long history of public service. A U.S. Army and Air Force Reserves veteran, Richter served in the Florida House and Senate for ten years, including a leadership role as President Pro Tem of the Senate. Richter earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

“I am looking forward to joining the team of dedicated men and women that are committed to saying thank you to our veterans with their actions, in addition to words,” said Richter. “This organization makes a positive impact on the men and women that commit themselves to our country and to the preservation of our freedoms.’

“As Veterans Florida nears its tenth year, Senator Richter’s incredible experience will provide added leadership as we continue to expand and serve more veterans,” said Joe Marino, Executive Director of Veterans Florida. “We want to thank President Pasidomo for this valuable appointment.”

Richter replaces Tom Rice who served as a board member since 2014.

“Tom has been a steady voice of reason and passionate advocacy, nurturing our expansion and success,” Marino said. “Our team, and our state, have benefited tremendously from his service. And we are grateful that Angela and Lynda, true leaders in advocating for veterans, will continue supporting our mission.”

Veterans Florida provides career guidance for veterans and servicemembers about to re-enter the civilian workforce, focusing on job training, support for entrepreneurs, and aligning employers and veterans through the SkillBridge program.

For more information on our work, please visit our homepage.