Tallahassee – Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Patty Ball Thomas of Tallahassee as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Succeeding Mario M. Valle, Dr. Thomas was appointed for a term beginning May 30, 2008, and ending September 30, 2010.
“We are very pleased to welcome Patty Ball Thomas to the Commission,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Commission. “Her proven dedication to education and empowering young people to thrive through early education and community action will greatly benefit the people of Florida. Dr. Thomas will be instrumental in our efforts to ensure a safe and respectful Florida for everyone.”
Dr. Thomas has over 30 years of experience in Florida’s educational system and currently is an assistant professor of reading in the College of Education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is also the Project Director of the HBCU Head Start Grant. Dr. Thomas is the chairperson of the board for the Capital Area Community Action Agency and is actively involved in Whole Child Leon, Capital Women’s Network, National Even Start Association, Kappa Delta Phi: International Honor Society in Education and Zonta International: Advancing the Status of Women Worldwide.
The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval. The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.
For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us
