FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2006
Contact: Erin Isaac
(850) 410-0174
TALLAHASSEE — Governor-Elect Charlie Crist today appointed former Attorney General Robert “Bob” Butterworth to serve as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families.
“I am truly honored that Bob has decided to return to public life,” said Governor-Elect Crist.” His dedication to public safety as sheriff of Broward County, as a county and circuit judge, and finally as the longest serving Attorney General of the State of Florida places him among the highest caliber of public servants.”
The Department of Children and Families manages programs including Florida’s foster care and adoption system, substance abuse treatment, food stamp, Medicaid, and financial programs and services that support victims of domestic violence and families in crisis. The variety of facilities, programs and services offered by the agency are designed to help benefit children, individuals, and families.
“Governor-Elect Crist pledged his commitment to reforming Florida’s adoption system and working to provide Florida’s children with a safe and loving environment,” said Butterworth. “I am looking forward to working in the Department of Children and Families to ensure that we can achieve these goals.”
Crist added, “As Sheriff of Broward County, Bob was instrumental in developing a child protection unit, drug rehabilitation program, and juvenile crime prevention effort. Later as Attorney General, he implemented policies that have led to Florida’s continually declining crime rate. These are just a few examples of Bob’s commitment to children and families during his lifetime of service to our state.”
Bob Butterworth is currently the Dean of St. Thomas University School of Law. He served four terms as Attorney General of the State of Florida where he gained national recognition for his leadership in litigation against tobacco companies and his achievements in the areas of consumer protection and anti-trust litigation. He previously served as a Senior Judge with the State of Florida Judiciary and as Sheriff of Broward County. Butterworth graduated from the University of Florida and the University of Miami School of Law.