Trustee Directory
Chair Deveron Gibbons, J.D., is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership in business, government, and education. He brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and policy expertise, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, expanding market presence, and building high-performing teams across complex organizations.
Previously, he was CEO and Executive Director of the Revenue Based Finance Coalition (2022 to 2024), where he led a complete turnaround of the organization, moving from a $350,000 annual deficit to $1.5 million in profit. He expanded membership by 70 percent, passed business friendly legislation in six states, and organized four national industry conferences, drawing more than 2,300 professionals and generating $1.25 million in event revenue.
Gibbons spent 16 years as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Public Affairs at Amscot Financial, a statewide consumer financial services firm. There, he directed public policy, led corporate strategy, and managed the launch of new financial products, resulting in more than $2 billion in annual revenue. He also spearheaded the company’s legislative agenda, working with federal and state agencies to modernize financial regulations.
In the public sector, Gibbons served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Department of Community Affairs, leading a team of 20 and advancing major statewide initiatives on emergency management, land use, and federal aid. As Senior Advisor at Holland & Knight, he advised Fortune 500 companies on mergers, regulatory compliance, and financial legislation, deepening his policy expertise and national network.
A committed champion of education, Gibbons has served in governor-appointed roles on the Boards of Trustees for Florida A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University, and St. Petersburg College. His contributions reflect a lifelong dedication to academic excellence, institutional growth, and student success.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Gibbons holds a Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida. He is a graduate of Harvard’s Senior Executive Program for State and Local Government and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Gibbons’ career reflects a unique blend of executive leadership, public policy expertise, and commitment to education. He is recognized for driving growth, shaping legislation, and advancing institutional excellence across business, government, and academia.
Email: deveron.gibbons@famu.edu
Term: March 29, 2023 - January 6, 2028
Dr. Jamal A. Brown serves as Florida A&M University Faculty Senate President and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, IPH. A Tallahassee native, FAMU DRS alumnus, and graduate of FAMU’s College of Pharmacy, he has made his mark as a clinical pharmacist for the Veterans Health Administration and as a retail pharmacist. Joining FAMU’s faculty in 2014, Dr. Brown’s influence bridges academia and healthcare. As a tenured clinical practice professor at Tampa General Hospital, he manages patients in a primary care clinic with diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions. His teaching spans pharmacology, cardiovascular wellness, pharmacy law, and various chronic diseases. His scholarly work includes contributions to the renowned “Dipiro” Pharmacotherapy textbook. Notably, Dr. Brown’s innovative teaching style incorporates music. In 2023, his viral TikTok video, featuring an original song about type 2 diabetes, reached more than 300,000 views and earned extensive media coverage from BET, Yahoo News, and the Tallahassee Democrat. Major news outlets, including WCTV News, ABC Action News, Inside Edition, and Good Morning America have showcased his inspiring story. Beyond academia, Dr. Brown is a sought-after consultant, instructing dentists in sedation dentistry and discussing critical topics such as antibiotic stewardship and opioid misuse. He was ordained as a minister with the Family Worship and Praise Center in Tallahassee, FL, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is the CEO of Jamal Brown Photography, LLC.
Email: jamal.brown@famu.edu
Term: September 25, 2024 - August 2025
Zayla Bryant is a third- year business administration scholar hailing from Atlanta, GA. She currently serves as the 54th Student Senate President for the 2024-2025 Academic year at Florida A&M University. Bryant has previously served in the 52nd and 53rd Student Senate. She served in the Elections and Appointments committee where she carried out confirmations of members of SGA, revised election codes, oversaw elections, and assisted with voter awareness efforts. During her sophomore year, she was also tasked as being a member of the acting Electoral Commission for the 2024 Miss FAMU elections. She concluded her sophomore year term with her committee being acknowledged as the Committee of the Year.
Alongside her duties and responsibilities within the Student Government Association, Bryant is heavily involved on campus. Zayla is a Spring 2024 initiate of the REAL Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is also a Freshman Year Experience Peer Mentor serving in the Office of Freshman Studies. She currently serves as the 2023- 2024 Miss Black for the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and she holds membership in Atlanta Club and FAMU College Democrats. Zayla has always made it a point to do meaningful work with long lasting impact. She looks forward to leading in this academic year with resilience, discernment, and efficacy.
Email: zayla1.bryant@famu.edu sga.president@famu.edu
Term: May 2025 - April 2026
John Crossman has been in the real estate industry for just over 30 years. He is the founder and President of the Winter Park based firm, CrossMarc Services, which offers investment, development, advisory, and brokerage services in the commercial real estate industry. Passionate about promoting real estate education, John founded Crossman Career Builders to work with colleges to provide the best real estate education possible, as well as to provide free resources to young professionals and college students. John has 11 endowed scholarships at seven universities and is the author of the best-selling book, Career Killers/Career Builders, which he wrote for young professionals.
Email: john.crossman@famu.edu jcrossman@crossmarcservices.com
Term: June 22, 2023 - January 6, 2026
Natlie G. Figgers is an Attorney and Businesswoman who serves as the Founder of The Law Office of Natlie G. Figgers, LLC.
Knowing for certain that she wanted to help others, Natlie started her academic success by attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, specializing in Juvenile Justice. She would then gain her Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. This accomplishment made it possible for her to work as a law clerk with one of Florida’s top commercial litigation firms and to eventually open her own law practice where she focuses on business and personal injury.
In addition to her academic achievements, Natlie also has an extensive technical and business background. While still a full-time undergraduate student, she served as the chief operating officer for a Florida-based telecommunications company. Once Natlie began law school, she was promoted to chief human resources officer, where she remained for the next six and a half years. In recognition of her work over the years, Natlie became the recipient of numerous awards. This would include being named Florida Memorial University's most Ardent Community Advocate in 2022, the National Black Lawyers Top 40 under 40 list in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Natlie has also been featured in publications such as the Top 100 Magazine, GQ Magazine, Miami Herald, and the Miami Times.
Email: natlie.figgers@famu.edu
Term: Jnauary 7, 2026 - January 6, 2031
Emery A. Gainey has devoted his entire career to law enforcement in our state.
He began in 1982 as a uniform patrol deputy for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, where he went on to serve 25 years in many roles, including as Chief Deputy, Commander of the Uniform Patrol Division, and Homeland Security Commander. Later he became Sheriff of Marion County.
Mr. Gainey also has held positions in the Florida Office of the Attorney General as Chief of Staff and as Director of Law Enforcement Relations, Victim Services, and Criminal Justice Programs. He served as the primary law enforcement liaison between the Attorney General and Florida's state law enforcement directors, sheriffs, police chiefs, and federal law enforcement agency directors.
Mr. Gainey is a member of the Special Olympics of Florida Board. He previously served on Florida's Constitution Revision Commission and the 8th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.
A Gainesville native, he earned his associate degree from Santa Fe College and bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 188th Session.
Email: emery.gainey@famu.edu
Term: January 7, 2025 - January 6, 2030
Roderick Harris, MSW, CPM has over 20 years’ experience in human services across multiple public and private sector roles. He currently serves as the Office of System Innovation (OSI) director within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice where his staff are tasked with identifying and presenting key performance measures within the Department’s program areas.
Previously he worked as a senior business analyst with Five Point Technology Group, where he led the company's data analytics and behavioral health initiatives serving clients across the country. Prior to that role, he served as the data administrator for Northwest Florida Health Network where he was responsible for collecting behavioral health data to support services invoicing from community providers to meet federal and state reporting requirements. He started his post master’s social work career with the Office of the State Courts Administrator working on dependency court improvement initiatives, and also proudly served as adjunct faculty with the Florida A&M University Department of Social Work for almost 10 years.
His volunteer service includes previously serving on the board of Brehon Institute of Family Services and the FAMU Department of Social Work community advisory council.
He received his bachelor’s degree in sociology and master’s degree in social work from Florida A&M University, and his public manager certification from Florida State University.
Email: roderick.harris@famu.edu
Term: January 9, 2026 - January 6, 2031
Kenneth Jones is chief executive officer at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital in Margate, Florida. Jones currently serves as an HCA Healthcare Hope Fund board member since 2024. Previously, he served as president of AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston and has nearly 20 years of experience as a leader in hospital adminstration and clinical operations.
Prior to his role at AMITA Health, Jones held positions as chief executive officer at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, chief executive officer at The Orthopedic Hospital of Lutheran Health Network in Fort Wayne, and chief executive officer at Heekin Orthopedic Specalists in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jones earned a bachelor of science degree in biology at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida,as well as master of healthcare administration and master of business administration degrees from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Email: ken.jones@famu.edu
Term: January 9, 2026 - January 6, 2031
Prerak “Pre” Shah is a partner in the Houston office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP where he advises corporations and executives facing complex state, federal, and congressional investigations. He also represents clients in high-stakes civil litigation, with a particular focus on matters at the intersection of law, policy, and politics.
Prerak previously served as Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District
of Texas, where oversaw a team of 120 prosecutors and served as the chief federal
law enforcement officer for a population of more than 8 million. Under his leadership,
the office handled numerous high-profile matters, including convicting a cryptocurrency
founder for securities fraud, investigating the death of an MLB pitcher, prosecuting
a would-be bomber plotting to attack an Amazon facility, and capturing a capital murder
suspect on the FBI’s “10 Most Wanted” list.
Prerak also served as Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, providing
senior strategic and legal counsel and playing a central role in major congressional
investigations, legislative initiatives, and judicial confirmations. Earlier in his
career, Pre also served as Senior Counsel to the Attorney General of Texas, where
he helped shape statewide and multistate legal strategy on issues of national importance.
Prerak earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Chicago Law School and clerked
for the Honorable Jerry E. Smith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Email: prerak.shah@famu.edu
Term: January 7, 2026 - January 6, 2031
Raphael Vazquez is a dedicated business leader and community advocate who has been at the helm of McDonald’s franchises in north Florida and south Georgia since 2008. As a second-generation franchise owner, Raphael continues his family's legacy in the industry while fostering strong connections within the community.
Born in Anaheim, California, Raphael proudly embraces his Puerto Rican heritage, which has shaped his values and commitment to service. He is an active board member for both the Foundation for Leon County Schools and Keep Tallahassee Beautiful, playing a key role in initiatives that support education and environmental stewardship.
Raphael holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida and a master's degree from Northwestern University. His academic foundation, combined with years of entrepreneurial experience, enables him to excel in business operations while maintaining a strong community presence.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Raphael has been happily married for twenty-four years and is the proud father of three sons.
Email: raphael.vazquez@famu.edu
Term: May 15, 2025 - January 30, 2030
Nicole Washington, Principal, Washington Education Strategies is a national education policy advisor. Based in Miami Beach, she focuses on integrating work and education to build a stronger talent pipeline in Florida and improving postsecondary education opportunities for all students. She served as the Vice-chair for the Education Subcommittee of the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission, sponsoring a successful Amendment 7 that increases college access and affordability for Florida's students.
Nicole provides advocacy and strategic policy support for national and state higher education organizations including Lumina Foundation and Florida College Access Network. She works with state and local organizations to create a more focused, comprehensive education policy and advocacy environment. Nicole has been committed to improving higher education in Florida for many years, serving in roles such as the University of South Florida Consolidation Taskforce and Associate Director of Governmental Relations for the State University System Board of Governors. Nicole earned her B.A. from Princeton University and M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Email: nicole@wesgroup.co
Term: January 7, 2025 - January 6, 2030
Vice Chair Michael White is Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Indelible Management Solutions, Inc. (Indelible), one of the fastest growing management consulting firms in the country. Indelible generated over $70M in revenue in 2022, while expanding into six additional states and serving as a sub-contractor to the federal government.
Michael contributes to business segment strategy development, creating new business opportunities, and overseeing the implementation of strategic market initiatives. He leads team members who are not only diverse in culture but in their professional backgrounds, including emergency managers, audit and compliance professionals, public health experts, and information technology subject matter experts.
Michael is known as an innovative leader and out-of-the-box thinker able to support governmental programs and initiatives at the state, local and federal level. Michael helped drive outstanding business growth and has a reputation for delivering exceptional client service since the firm’s inception in 2018. Working with his co-founder, Joshua Hay, Mike identified opportunities to assist government agencies and leaders in focusing their efforts, in particular grants, towards underserved communities and communities in need.
Email: michael.white@famu.edu mwhite@indelible-solutions.com
Term: January 9, 2026 - January 6, 2031
Victor Young is Managing Partner for Morgan Auto Group (MAG). MAG is the 9th largest dealer group in America with revenue over $6 billion annually and growing. MAG is also the largest dealer group in the state of Florida. He is also a partner at Digital Caviar, creators and producers or the theatrical and streaming movies such as Lady of the Manor, Bernie the Dolphin and Crazy Lakes.
Young founded a minor league soccer team in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota Metropolis FC competed in the United States Soccer League (USL) and was a critical pathway to major league soccer. Victor donated ten percent of the team’s profits to cancer research while helping young men learn about positive character, leadership and family values.
Community involvement has been a critical component in Victor’s life. He was appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2011 to serve on the Board of Trustees for Pasco-Hernando State College until his term ended. He served on the Board of Directors for the Sarasota Economic Development Corporation, the Hancock Whitney Bank Advisory Board, Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, Southeastern Guide Dogs Endowment Fund Trustee, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Advisory Board and Sarasota County Film Commission. You can listen to his daily life coach podcast on Apple iTunes, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
Young currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Moffit Medical Group at Moffit Cancer in Tampa, Florida. Victor was named CIO of the Year in 2017 by the Tampa Bay Business Journal for developing his Dream Boss Application. Dream Boss provided users with an interactive project management tool with motivational reminders and updates to keep them on pace with project completion timelines.
Everyday he works to create a long-lasting legacy that will live forever.
Email: victor.young@famu.edu
Term: January 7, 2026 - January 6, 2031