TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Denise Harle, Jerry Haag, Calvin Martin, Scott George, Yosef Weinstock, Pam Olsen, Jason Cullum, Anthony Verdugo, Stephan Tchividjian, Lori Bontell, James Drake, Michael Sheedy, Mami Kisner and Mario Bramnick to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.

Harle is Senior Counsel to the Alliance Defending Freedom where she is Director of the Center for Life. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, master’s degree in political science from Stanford University and juris doctor from Duke University.

Haag is the Chief Executive Officer of One More Child. He serves on the boards of the Christian Alliance for Orphans and Hines Ugandan Ministries and is a member of the National Council on Planned Giving and the Baptist Child Care Executives. Haag earned his bachelor’s degree in financial planning and master of business administration from Baylor University and PhD in finance and real estate from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Martin is the Director of Program Advocacy for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program. He is a member of the Florida Youth Justice Commission, the National Safe Place Executive Board of Directors and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Volusia County Executive Board of Directors. Martin earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida and master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.

George is the Senior Pastor at Pine Castle United Methodist Church. He attended the University of Central Florida and earned his master’s degree in theology and an honorary doctorate degree from Faith Christian University.

Weinstock is the Lead Rabbi at Young Israel of Hollywood. Previously, he was Chapter Director for the New England Region of the National Conference of Synagogue Youth. Weinstock earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Yeshiva University, master’s degree in social work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and his rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

Olsen is the Executive Director and Co-Pastor at Hilltop House of Prayer. She is an ordained minister and studied at the Breara School of the Bible and the Discipleship Training Institute.

Cullum is the Lead Pastor at Christ’s Church in Jacksonville. He is a member of Florida Church Planters and is a Past President of Christian Financial Resources. Cullum earned his bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Christian University.

Verdugo is the Founder and Executive Director of the Christian Family Coalition. He attended Miami Dade College and Florida International University.

Tchividjian is the President of the National Christian Foundation of South Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business finance from Florida Atlantic University.

Bontell is an Insurance Agent and President of Bontell and Associates and the former National Account Manager for Realm Health. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Central Florida.

Drake is the Executive Director of Cru. He is a Teaching Pastor for the Presbyterian Church of America and has served on the board of the University of Miami Chaplains Association. Drake earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Samford University and master’s degree in divinity from the Beeson Divinity School.

Sheedy is the Executive Director of the Florida Catholic Conference. He serves on the Catholic Charities of Florida board and is Vice President of Martyrs La Florida Missions. Sheedy earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame, master’s degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University and master’s degree in theological studies from Notre Dame Seminary.

Kisner is the First Lady of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church and a retired Senior Management Trainer for Eastern Airlines. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Marshall University, master’s degree in divinity from The People’s Bible Training Institute and an honorary doctorate of divinity from the Bethesda Bible Institute of North America.

Bramnick is the Senior Pastor of New Wine Ministries Church. He is also President of the South Florida Pastors Network and President of the Latino Coalition for Israel. Bramnick earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and juris doctor from the University of Miami.

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