TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of eleven individuals to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council. The appointees include Kevin Baird, Tess Dewhirst, Joseph Knittig, Robert Pacienza, Marilyn Rivera, Megan Rose, and Michael Watkins. Additionally, James “Scott” George, Jerry Haag, Calvin Martin, and Pam Olsen have been reappointed.
Kevin Baird serves as the Director of Pastoral Ministries for Florida Family Voice and is an Adjunct Professor at Southeastern University. He previously held the position of Lead Pastor at Legacy Church. Baird holds a bachelor’s degree from Mid-American Nazarene University, a master’s degree in divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in ministry from Evangel Theological Seminary.
Tess Dewhirst is a Home Educator teaching classical curriculum to her four children. She has prior experience teaching elementary education in Kentucky, Virginia, and Washington as well as post-graduate courses in English and professional development at a hospitality university in Switzerland. Dewhirst earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University.
Joseph Knittig is the Chief Executive Officer of The Global Orphan Project and CarePortal. Previously employed as a Labor and Employment Attorney at Seyferth Blumenthal and Harris LLC., Knittig holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Culver-Stockton College and a juris doctor from the University of Missouri.
Marilyn Rivera is the Pastor at La Puerta Life Church. She currently serves as President of the South Florida Hispanic Ministers Association and is on the board of the Latino Coalition for Israel. Rivera earned an associate degree in business administration from Miami-Dade College and a doctorate in divinity from Latin University of Theology.
Megan Rose is President and Chief Executive Officer of Better Together. A fellow with the Manhattan Institute, she received their 2018 Civil Society Award. Rose earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in human services from Liberty University.
Robert Pacienza serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Coral Ridge Media Ministries while also being Senior Pastor for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with the Council for National Policy and National Religious Broadcasters. Pacienza holds a bachelor’s degree from Samford University along with master’s degrees in divinity from Knox Theological Seminary and doctorate degrees in ministry from Westminster Theological Seminary.
Michael Watkins is Chief Executive Officer of NWF Health Network. Active within his community roles include Chairing the Florida Coalition for Children; he was also part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Health & Wellness Transition Team earlier on during his tenure earning his bachelor's degree psychology through Culver-Stockon College
James “Scott” George acts as Senior Pastor at Belle Isle Community Church co-founding United Against Poverty winning recognition such Orange County's Hometown Hero Award back 2012 having studied communications undergrad Central Florida before advancing theological pursuits Faith Christian culminating Doctorate Divinity credentials
Jerry Haag presides over One More Child & FL Baptist Children Homes contributes broader non-profit discourse Forbes Nonprofit Council & related boards such Christian Alliance For Orphans His academic journey includes Financial Planning Baylor Business Admin MBA real estate finance PhD Texas
Calvin Martin oversees innovation initiatives Guardian ad Litem Office besides executive board commitments Arc Putnam County prev youth justice commissions recognized ABA Reunification Hero accolades psychological undergrad Central Florida masters org management Phoenix
Pam Olsen directs Hilltop House Prayer leads statewide prayer efforts attending Berean Bible ETYO institutions