Governor Rick Scott Appoints Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) Board Members

LAUDERHILL – On June 29, Governor Rick Scott reappointed Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) Chair Emilio Benitez and members Ana Valladares and Maria Schneider. The Governor also appointed two new members, Cathy Donnelly and Tom Powers.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Broward’s children and the many thousands of future productive and successful adults,” said Mr. Benitez. “I look forward to serving with our two new members who add a wealth of knowledge and experience to the child serving community.”

Cathy Donnelly is the Director of Community Relations for Castle Group. Ms. Donnelly is Past Chairwoman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and until recently an active board member. She is currently a United Way Tocqueville member, sits with Community Foundation for Art in Community, and supports countless other nonprofits in the communities we serve.

Tom Powers is a former Commissioner for the City of Coral Springs and a retired Arizona State Trooper with 21 years of service. Commissioner Powers served on the Scholarship Committee with the Broward League of Cities, supporting the educational endeavors of students who plan to seek a career in municipal government. Presently, he serves on the Kiwanis Board of Coral Springs & Parkland.

“I’m thrilled to welcome our two new members, and  I’m thankful for the invaluable contributions of outgoing members Elyse Claprood and Tara Philipp, especially in their specific areas of interest: infant health and special needs,” said Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, CSC President/CEO. “Our entire organization is looking forward to implementing the vision of the Council in a way that will make the taxpayers of Broward County proud of the work of the CSC,” she added.

Ana Valladares was first appointed by Governor Jeb Bush and has served on the Council since its inception in 2001. A longtime community activist, Ms. Valladares has been a dedicated advocate for children by participating in many different initiatives geared to enhance children’s lives.

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Maria Schneider is the Assistant State Attorney in Charge of the Juvenile Division for 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida and was appointed to the Council in 2010. Ms. Schneider is actively involved in numerous community and professional organizations that advocate for the rights and wellbeing of children.

Mr. Benitez was first appointed to the Council in 2007 by Governor Charlie Crist and has been Chair since late 2014. Mr. Benitez is the President and CEO of ChildNet and has been involved with that agency since its outset.

The Children’s Services Council of Broward is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on September 5, 2000, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children’s lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care.