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Two Join Agency

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Agency for Persons with Disabilities has had two veteran professionals recently join its staff. Attorney John Newton, II, has joined the Agency for Persons with Disabilities as its General Counsel. Newton has more than 30 years of legal experience in both the private and public sectors. He comes to the agency after serving as a Senior Assistant State Attorney for Civil Rights and Economic Crimes in Tallahassee.

Also, joining the staff as Communications Director is Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC, who has more than 20 years experience in media and government communications. She comes directly from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation where she promoted the program that helps people with disabilities become employed. Etters is an Accredited in Public Relations professional and is a Certified Public Relations Counselor. She also is a Certified Public Manager.

Agency Director Jane Johnson said, "We are excited to have Melanie and John join our staff of dedicated employees. We know our agency and people with disabilities we serve will benefit from their professional expertise."

The agency currently serves more than 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.apd.myflorida.com.

Melanie Mowry Etters APR, CPRC

John Newton, II