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Governor Crist Appoints Two Agency Heads and Drug Czar

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Governor Charlie Crist today appointed three leaders of agencies under the direction of the Governor. The Governor appointed Stephanie Kopelousos as Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Jane E. Johnson as executive director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and William H. Janes as director of the Office of Drug Control Policy.

"These three outstanding Floridians are dedicated to serving the people of Florida and providing high quality customer service," said Governor Crist. "I am confident that they will lead their prospective agencies well."

Florida Department of Transportation

Stephanie Kopelousos served as chief of staff and Interim Secretary of the Department of Transportation. She formerly served as a senior legislative analyst for the Executive Office of the Governor in Washington, D.C., and as a senior legislative assistant to U.S. Representative Tillie K. Fowler. Kopelousos received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Alabama.

"Stephanie's experience in Washington, D.C., will be an asset for the Department of Transportation," said Governor Crist. "She is a real consensus builder who understands how to manage high-profile, sensitive issues with state and regional implications and who will work to advance Florida's transportation goals."

The Florida Department of Transportation is charged with providing a safe statewide transportation system and ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods. The department maintains the state highway system, manages the multi-modal public transportation system and provides local governments with policy direction for long-range and short-range planning.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Jane Johnson is the executive director of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology, where she previously worked as the director of housing services. Johnson also worked as the director of housing and grant development for the Florida Association of Homes for the Aging, as a policy and quality assurance specialist for the Florida Health Care Association and as a client service supervisor for Olsten Health Care in Tallahassee. She served on the Accessible Electronic & Information Technology Task Force and the National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Project Advisory Group. Johnson graduated from the School of Language and Linguistics at Georgetown University.

"Jane is an expert in community-based services for families dealing with a developmental disability," Governor Crist said. "Her experience with coordinating services uniquely qualifies her to lead the agency and offer the best possible service to Floridians with developmental disabilities."

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is responsible for working in partnership with local communities to support persons with developmental disabilities in living, learning and working, and in all aspects of community life. Developmental disabilities encompass a variety of conditions that interfere with a person's ability to function in everyday activities, including spina bifida, autism, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome and mental retardation.

Florida Office of Drug Control Policy

Bill Janes is currently the interim director of the Florida Office of Drug Control Policy. He previously worked as a counselor, manager and executive director for the Drug Abuse Comprehensive Coordinating Office in Tampa and worked as director of the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute at St. Petersburg College. Janes served 24 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Colonel of Armor. He graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in guidance and counseling. He also received a master's degree in history from McNeese State University and a master's degree in military art and science from the Command General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

"Bill has the overall leadership experience and unique subject-matter knowledge to continue to lead this office," said Governor Crist. "In the Army, Bill commanded company, battalion, and brigade levels and later, in the civilian world, helped form the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, one of the first substance abuse and mental health collaborations in Florida."

The Florida Office of Drug Control Policy coordinates drug control efforts by working with the public and private sectors to provide information about substance abuse and treatment programs and services. The director serves as the Governor's liaison with state and federal agencies and advises the Governor and Legislature on trends, program funding and implementation of the strategic drug control plan.

Kopelousos, Johnson and Janes are each appointed to terms beginning April 2, 2007, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor. All three are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.