GOVERNOR CRIST MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO LEADERSHIP TEAM
November 18, 2009
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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Charles “Chuck” Drago as deputy chief of staff to the Governor and Stephanie Smith to serve in an expanded role as executive deputy chief of staff within the Executive Office of the Governor. The Governor also appointed Charlie Liem, chief of staff for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, to serve as Interim Secretary of the agency.
Charles “Chuck” Drago, Deputy Chief of Staff
“Chuck’s work, managing the state agency that licenses over one million professionals working in a wide variety of businesses, has been a tremendous service to the people of Florida,” Governor Crist said. “His previous law enforcement experience, as well as his leadership and supervisory expertise, clearly demonstrates his talent as an effective manager.”
Since February 2008, Drago has served as Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation after previously serving as Deputy Secretary beginning in January 2007. As a deputy chief, he will oversee state law enforcement agencies, which include the Departments of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Parole Commission, as well as the Florida Lottery and Departments of Management Services and Business and Professional Regulation.
During his 32 years as a law enforcement officer, Drago, 57, first served as a detective and officer with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department in 1975 and rose through the ranks to assistant chief of police in 2001. In 2004, his experience as a manager and outstanding law enforcement officer led to his selection as the chief of police for the City of Oviedo, where he served for three years. Throughout his law enforcement career, he worked to establish and manage effective programs, including community policing and problem-oriented policing, which emphasize research and analysis, as well as prevention. In addition, he has received dozens of departmental and public commendations for his community work and accomplishments in major criminal investigations. Drago is a graduate of St. Thomas University in Miami and the Broward County Institute of Criminal Justice. He also completed the Command Officers Development Certification at the Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville, Kentucky.
“It has been a privilege to serve with Governor Crist to enhance Florida’s business friendly environment while also protecting our consumers,” Drago said. “I look forward to working with the outstanding professionals who serve as the state’s top law enforcement officers, as well as other administration leaders, to address the Governor’s priorities.”
Stephanie Smith, Executive Deputy Chief of Staff
“Stephanie has done excellent work to coordinate and manage our administration’s efforts to educate and involve the people of Florida in their state’s government,” Governor Crist said. “She has been a valued advisor, team member and an important link with community organizations throughout our state.”
Stephanie Smith, 29, has served as director of external affairs for Governor Crist since January 2008 after serving as deputy director in 2007. Previously, she was the Tampa Bay Area regional director for the Charlie Crist Campaign for Governor in 2006. From 2005 to 2006, she was executive assistant and public affairs coordinator to the CEO of WRS Infrastructure and Environment Inc. in Tampa. From 2003 to 2005, she served in the Executive Office of the Governor, first as a business development liaison in the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, and then as a special events coordinator. In 2003, she was a legislative assistant for the Florida League of Cities. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University.
“I am grateful to Governor Crist for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Florida as we work to make our state even more successful,” Smith said. “I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team.”
Charlie Liem, Interim Secretary of Department of Business and Professional Regulation
“Charlie’s vast knowledge of Florida’s business professionals, state government and the legislative process have prepared him to head the agency that serves thousands of businesses throughout our state,” Governor Crist said. “I am confident he will continue to improve on what we have already achieved to help our businesses and economy thrive.”
Charlie Liem, 61, has served as Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s chief of staff since January 2007. Previously, he served as health and human services policy and budget coordinator within the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget from 2005 to 2007. He served as legislative staff director for the Florida House of Representatives elder and long-term care committee from 2003 to 2005, and senior analyst for the Florida Senate committee on health, aging and long-term care from 1999 to 2003. From 1992 to 1999, he held various positions at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, including division director of long-term care policy, external affairs director and chief of planning. From 1986 to 1991, he administered the Medicaid home and community-based waiver programs within the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. A Pensacola native, he worked with various community social-services agencies in Colorado from 1970 to 1985, before returning to Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and public executive management certification from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.
The mission of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is to ensure that business, industry and commerce are regulated in such a way that the best quality of service is provided to Floridians and visitors. The agency is responsible for licensing and regulating approximately one million businesses and professionals, including 19 professions ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants, to contractors and cosmetologists. Within the department are the Divisions of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Hotels and Restaurants, and Land Sales and Condominiums.
Drago’s and Liem’s appointments are effective beginning November 30, 2009.