DeSantis appoints six to FGC board

Staff Reports

Governor Ron DeSantis announced last Friday, the appointment of Clarence “Chip” Parker and Sherrie Raulerson and the reappointment of Carolyn “Renae” Allen, Lindsey Lander, Suzanne Norris, and James Surrency to the Florida Gateway College District Board of Trustees

Clarence “Chip” Parker

     Parker is the Lead Pastor for The Orchard Community Church. Active in his community, he has served as an ambassador for the Lake City – Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. A lifelong resident of Columbia County, Parker earned his bachelor’s degree from Clearwater Christian College and his master’s degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

Sherrie Raulerson

     Raulerson is currently retired and was previously elected as the Baker County Superintendent. Active in her community, she has served as the President of the Florida Association of School Superintendents and the Chair of the Small District Coalition of Florida. Raulerson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida International University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Carolyn “Renae” Allen

     Allen is an Instructor for the Union County School District. Active in her community, she is a member of the Florida Foundation for Future Scientists Board of Directors and was elected as the Mayor and a City Councilmember for the City of Lake Butler. Allen earned her bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in leadership from the University of North Florida.

Lindsey Lander

     Lander is an Attorney at Lindsey Lander, Attorney at Law. He has served as the Board Attorney for the Town of Cross City, the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dixie County School Board. Lander earned his bachelor’s degree and his juris doctor from the University of Florida.

Suzanne Norris

     Norris is the Vice President of Millennium Bank in Lake City. Active in her community, she has served as the President of the University of Florida Alumni Association and was the Chair of the Columbia County Industrial Development Authority. Norris earned her bachelor’s degree in financial management from the University of Florida. 

James Surrency, EdD

     Surrency is the Director of Special Programs for the Gilchrist County School Board. A former Gilchrist County Superintendent, he is a member of the Gilchrist County Rotary Club and a former member of the Florida Association of School Administrators. Surrency earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Murray State University and his doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University.

     These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.