Commissioner Putnam Announces Directors of School Nutrition and Energy Offices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Sterling Ivey
August 26, 2011	(850) 617-7737

Commissioner Putnam Announces Directors of School Nutrition and

Energy Offices

Robin Safley and Patrick Sheehan Appointed as Department Directors

Tallahassee, FL – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced today the appointments of Robin Safley as director of the school food and nutrition programs and Patrick Sheehan as director of the Office of Energy. During the 2011 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature transferred the state’s school nutrition programs and the Office of Energy to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS).

“Robin has demonstrated a commitment to promoting wellness activities among Floridians of all ages,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Her knowledge, expertise and experience will be a great asset to the Department as we work to create a school nutrition program that encourages active lifestyles and healthy eating habits for generations to come.”

Safley most recently worked as a consultant with Capital Health Plan (CHP) advocating wellness issues in Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla and Gadsden Counties. She has been involved in creating a region-wide committee to begin a common conversation around the importance of nutrition and physical activity to an individual’s health and in combating obesity. Through Safley’s leadership, the committee created the CHP Champions Program, an initiative that trains school children in Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla and Gadsden school districts about the importance of healthy living and eating. 

Safley has held previous positions at the Florida Department of Education, Enterprise Florida, the Florida Senate, the Florida Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Insurance. Safley’s appointment is effective September 2. The transfer of the state’s school nutrition programs will be effective January 1, 2012.

“Patrick’s broad experience on an array of federal issues will greatly assist our state as we navigate Florida’s energy future,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Florida has the potential to be a leader in renewable energy production and his leadership will undoubtedly put our state at the forefront of every opportunity.”

Sheehan comes to the Department from Alutiiq International Solutions LLC, where he served as the legislative and international affairs program manager for the U.S. National Guard Bureau. In this role, Sheehan was responsible for managing outreach with embassies, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Joint Chiefs of Staff and organizing engagement strategy with U.S. military Geographic Combatant Commands.

Sheehan has held previous positions with the International Republican Institute, U.S. Congressman Timothy F. Murphy, U.S. Congressman George W. Gekas, U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Business Rights and Competition and U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Youth Violence. Sheehan’s appointment is effective August 29.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com or follow Commissioner Putnam on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/AdamPutnam, and Twitter, www.Twitter.com/AdamPutnam.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments