Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Emery Gainey and TaShaunda “Nicole” Washington to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees. These appointments will take effect on January 7, 2025.
Emery Gainey currently serves as the Alachua County Sheriff. His previous roles include Chief of Staff for the Florida Attorney General’s Office and Sheriff of Marion County. In addition to his law enforcement career, Gainey is actively involved in his community as Chair of the Santa Fe College District Board of Trustees. He holds an associate degree from Santa Fe College and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida.
TaShaunda "Nicole" Washington is the Founder of Washington Education Strategies, LLC., and serves as a State Higher Education Policy Consultant for both the Lumina Foundation and the Florida College Access Network. Her community involvement includes her role on the Miami Dade College District Board of Trustees and membership with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. She also served as Vice Chair for the Constitution Revision Commission’s Education Subcommittee. Washington's educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, African American Studies, and education from Princeton University; a master’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Mercy University; and another master’s degree in international and comparative education from Columbia University's Teacher's College.
These appointments require confirmation by the Florida Senate.