The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), one of the largest and most successful law enforcement associations in the nation, is pleased to announce its leadership for the 2018-2019 year, which is led by Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter who has been elected as president. Sheriff Hunter will be responsible for presiding over the association and will work with the staff and board of directors to guide the efforts and direction of FSA and its 67 Sheriffs.

Sheriff Mark Hunter is a native of Columbia County and has dedicated 24 years of service working in law enforcement. He began his career as a patrol deputy, school resource officer in Suwannee County and took on many other roles including working for North Florida Community College, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Enforcement, and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to being elected sheriff for three consecutive terms, he served as Columbia County Undersheriff in 2005. Sheriff Hunter also served the Florida Army National Guard for 30 years where he retired as a Lt. Colonel. Sheriff Hunter is a graduate of Columbia High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Edward Waters College. He also attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, graduated in Class 43 of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Chief Executive Seminar, and graduated the 256th Session of the FBI National Academy.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fill the role as President,” Sheriff Hunter said. “I am honored to serve in this position and make the association and our community proud.”

Sheriff Mike Adkinson said, “The Florida Sheriffs Association could not have a more appropriate leader taking charge,” said Walton County Sheriff and Immediate Past President Mike Adkinson. “Sheriff Hunter will represent the association, his county, his state, his country, and fellow sheriffs well. I am honored to pass the reigns onto and help transition him into the position.”

Other FSA board appointments are:

• Vice President: Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County
• Secretary: Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Gilchrist County
• Treasurer: Sheriff Tom Knight, Sarasota County
• Immediate Past President: Sheriff Mike Adkinson, Walton County
• Chair: Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Levy County
• Vice-Chair: Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Hernando County

“Each year, the Florida Sheriffs Association elects a new board of directors to lead our efforts for the coming year and through the legislative session,” said FSA Executive Director Steve Casey. “I have no doubt that the sheriffs elected by their peers to take on these roles will lead with the honor and integrity that is the foundation of our association.”

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About Florida Sheriffs Association: The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law-enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].