For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .
Tallahassee –Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Mario Valle of Naples as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Valle will serve a four-year term expiring September 30, 2011.
”As an immigrant, I know firsthand the discrimination faced by individuals throughout our state,” said Commissioner Valle. “It is an honor to be appointed to this position and to have the opportunity to make Florida better place to work and live for all its residents.”
In 2004, Commissioner Valle was named to Gulfshore Business Magazine’s 40 under 40. In addition to serving as co-chair for the Naples Multiple Sclerosis Walk, Valle is a past president of the Golden Gate Estates Civic Association and past vice-chair for Collier County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Currently, Commissioner Valle is project manager for Professional Building Systems.
“We are delighted to welcome Commissioner Valle back to the Commission. His experience and knowledge will serve as a valuable resource in protecting the rights of the people of Florida,” said Commission Chair Donna Elam. “I look forward to working with him as we continue in our quest to promote mutual respect and prevent unlawful discrimination throughout the state.”
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 .