FEA Recommends Loranne Ausley for CFO

May 21, 2010 Contact: Mark Pudlow, 850.201.3223 or 850.508.9756

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JACKSONVILLE -- The Florida Education Association announced today that it is recommending Loranne Ausley for Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the state in the November elections.

“Loranne Ausley is a longtime friend and ally of the Florida Education Association during her years in the Florida House,” said FEA President Andy Ford. “She has always passionately backed children’s issues and has always made them a priority. We believe she’ll be a great asset to our state as CFO.”

Ausley served eight years in the Florida House, representing Tallahassee and the Big Bend. Last year, she was selected by current CFO Alex Sink to serve as chair of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, a public-private institution that provides health insurance for children in Florida. She also serves as a senior advisor to the Lawton Chiles Foundation, a statewide organization that works to help families and improve the lives of Florida’s children.

“Our state is in dire need of leaders who understand children’s issues,” said Ausley. “The position of CFO is one that intersects with the lives of Floridians in a real way. As a member of the Cabinet, I will work to improve their lives and work to make a greater investment in our children and in working people. We need people who work to invest in the next generation, instead of worrying about the next election.”

A committee of FEA leaders and members made the recommendation today after hearing Ausley speak to the group and reviewing her record of service.

FEA has previously recommended Scott Maddox for the Cabinet position of Agriculture Commissioner.

The Florida Education Association is the state’s largest association of professional employees, with more than 140,000 members. FEA represents pre K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational support professionals, students at our colleges and universities preparing to become teachers and retired education employees.