Most in the apartment industry will tell you that they stumbled into the industry by happen stance, and the same applies to me. Before working for the association full time, I started as its Government Affairs Intern while attending the University of Central Florida. I first learned about the Florida Apartment Association's Smoke-Free Multifamily Housing Certification during my time as an intern, and assisted with the certification and approval process.
I am fortunate enough to serve in a role that affords me the opportunity to constantly be learning while working to champion housing attainability for Florida residents.
I serve as the point of contact for the association’s smoke free program, and oversee the certification process of apartment communities throughout the state of Florida.
The Florida Apartment Association represents a diverse array of apartment types: new and old, urban and rural, luxury and affordable, privately developed and state tax-assisted, large-scale management companies and individual rental housing owners. The association’s membership accounts for more than three-quarters (80%) of apartment homes, over 1 million units throughout the state of Florida, and are home to residents from all walks of life. There are many advantages to participating in the Youth and Young Adult Tobacco Initiation Workgroup not the least of which include being able to connect with fellow member organizations and stakeholders to develop ways to work toward reducing Floridians’ exposure to secondhand smoke.
More than 20 years ago, as a first-year medical student, I worked with AHEC during my clinical preceptorship rotation in Crestview, Florida. Later, when I became a faculty member in the Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, I took on the role of course director for the Preceptorship. I worked closely with the UF AHEC Program Director at the time, Barbara Richardson, on a course requirement related to tobacco cessation. When Dr. Richardson retired, I was awarded the UF Program Office Director position, where I have continued to promote my passion for community health with a focus on tobacco cessation.
Working on innovative research projects related to tobacco cessation and delivering these efforts to the community.
As a family medicine physician with a busy clinical practice, my work aligns with FTSP Goal 6, where cutting-edge research can be applied directly to everyday patient care.
Collaborating with other FTSP workgroup members has been invaluable for brainstorming solutions to challenges and shaping a clearer vision for the future of nicotine cessation research.