Governor Ron DeSantis has announced appointments to the Commission for Independent Education. The appointees include Joseph Battista and Nelson Caballero, along with the reappointment of Jeff Cross, Troy Stefano, and Burton “Tra” Williams III.
Joseph Battista from Heathrow is the Vice President of Workforce, Career, and Professional Education at Valencia College. He is also a member of the CareerSource Central Florida Board of Directors. Battista holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in finance from St. Joseph’s University.
Nelson Caballero, based in Pinecrest, serves as Vice President at the South Florida Institute of Technology. His previous roles include being a Partner at Caballero, Fierman, Llerena & Garcia LLP., and a Financial Accounting Instructor at Miami Dade College. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Florida International University.
Jeff Cross from Orlando is the Online President and Senior Vice President of Operations for Herzing University. His past positions include Regional President for Florida and President of the Orlando Campus of Herzing University as well as Vice President of Admissions for West Coast University, Argosy University, and Ashford University. Cross obtained his bachelor's degree in business administration from California State University Fullerton and his master’s degree in business administration from Webster University.
Troy Stefano, Ph.D., residing in Wellington, is a Professor of Theological Studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. He is also the President and Founder of Health Copilot AI Inc., and Stefano Consulting. In addition to his academic pursuits, he participates actively in several associations including the American Catholic Philosophical Association. Stefano received his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Thomas University, his master’s degree in theological studies from the University of Notre Dame, and his doctorate from the same institution.
Burton “Tra” Williams III lives in Lakewood Ranch where he serves as President and Owner of FleetForce Truck Driver Training. He engages with local commerce through memberships with Manatee and Sarasota County Chambers of Commerce as well as with the Florida Trucking Association. Williams graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.
These appointments await confirmation by the Florida Senate.