TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Russell Branson, Fredrick Roberts Jr., Charlie Stone, and Dr. Michael Torres to the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees.

Russell Branson

Branson, of Ocala, is the President of SouthState Bank. He is a board member for AdventHealth Ocala Hospital, Marion County Hospital District, and Marion County Public Policy Institute and the Treasurer of the United Way Marion County. Branson earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and his master’s degree in banking from Louisiana State University.

Fredrick Roberts Jr.

Roberts Jr., of Ocala, is a Partner and Attorney for Klein & Klein, LLC. He is a board member for Oak Hammock at the University of Florida and a member of the Marion County Bar Association. Roberts earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Florida and his juris doctor from Stetson University.

Charlie Stone

Stone, of Ocala, is the President and Owner of Stone Petroleum Products, Inc. He was previously a House Member for the Florida House of Representatives from 2012-2020 and a Marion County Commissioner from 2004-2012. Stone is a member of the Chamber of Economic Partnership and the Marion County Roadbuilders Association and is the Past President of Silver Springs Rotary Club.

Dr. Michael Torres

Dr. Torres, of Ocala, is the Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth. He is veteran of the United States Air Force. Dr. Torres earned a certificate in military leadership from Air War College, his master’s degree in business administration from Touro University International, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Spartan Health Sciences University.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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