Rick Scott Selects Three Leaders to Head Up State Agencies

On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott named Doug Darling to head up the newly formed Department of Economic Opportunity. He also named Cynthia Lorenzo, who had been interim director, to head up the Agency for Workforce Innovation. Mike Hansen was named to lead the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

As we work to make Florida the best place for businesses to grow, expand and create jobs, I am confident in Dougs ability to lead our efforts to streamline existing economic development functions into one agency, Scott said in a statement. Along with Commerce Secretary Gray Swoope, the Department of Economic Opportunity with Doug Darling at the helm will help our state create jobs for Floridians.

Cynthia has basically led the Agency for Workforce Innovation for the past five years, said Scott. I am proud today to remove her interim designation.

Mikes extensive experience with Medicaid services and budgeting will be of tremendous help as we continue to work to ensure the availability of services to one of Floridas most vulnerable populations, Scott added. At the same time, he will help us work with members of the disabilities community to develop strategies to avoid future budget deficits.