News Release
Four Appointed to CF District Board of Trustees
The College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees has three new and one continuing member, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“We welcome our new board members and appreciate the service of our returning board member – all who have demonstrated commitment to our community,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “They have broad experience in workforce, health care, finance and more, and we look forward to their leadership in impacting our college, students and community.”
Russell Branson, from Ocala, is the president of SouthState Bank and has served as a member of the CF District Board of Trustees since 2015. He is a board member for AdventHealth Ocala Hospital, Marion County Hospital District, and Marion County Public Policy Institute and the treasurer of the United Way Marion County. Branson earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and his master’s degree in banking from Louisiana State University. He previously served as a member of the CF Foundation Board of Directors.
Fredrick Roberts Jr., from Ocala, is a partner and attorney for Klein & Klein LLC. He is a board member for Oak Hammock at the University of Florida and a member of the Marion County Bar Association. Roberts earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from UF and his juris doctor from Stetson University. He also has served as a member of the CF Foundation Board of Directors.
Charlie Stone, from Ocala, is the president and owner of Stone Petroleum Products Inc. He was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2012-2020 and a Marion County Commissioner from 2004-2012. Stone is a member of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership and the Marion County Roadbuilders Association and is past president of Silver Springs Rotary Club. He also has served as a member of the CF Foundation Board of Directors.
Dr. Michael Torres, from Ocala, is the vice president and Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth. He is a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Dr. Torres earned a certificate in military leadership from Air War College, his master’s degree in business administration from Touro University International, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Spartan Health Sciences University.
There are seven seats on the CF District Board of Trustees. Additional board members include Joyce Brancato, Bobby Durrance and Bill Edgar.
To learn more about CF, visit CF.edu.