LAUDERHILL – In January 2015, the Children’s Services Council of Broward County held their re-organizational meeting in conjunction with their first council meeting of the year. By unanimous vote Governor Appointee and ChildNet CEO, Emilio Benitez, was elected to serve as Chair; Department of Children & Families Community Development Administrator, Kim Gorsuch, was re-elected as Vice Chair; and Governor Appointee and Broward Health Program Coordinator, Elyse Claprood, was elected as Secretary.
“It is an honor to be selected to lead the Children’s Services Council, particularly after the outstanding job performed by my predecessor, Broward County School Board Member Robin Bartleman,” said Mr. Benitez.
The elected officers of the Council will serve two years in concurrence with their four year terms. The Children’s Services Council of Broward County is governed by 11 council members – five of whom are appointed by the Governor, while six hold office by virtue of the position they hold in County entities. Governor appointees serve coterminous with the Governor and are nominated by the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County. The County Commission is sent 16 nominations to the Governor last Tuesday at their regularly scheduled meeting.
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.
Follow us on Twitter at @CSCBroward and on Facebook. For more information about the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, please visit www.cscbroward.org.
