For Immediate Release July 24, 2020

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Six to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Darrick McGhee, Dawn Hanson, Angela Primiano, Monica Cepero, Libby Farmer and Larry Hart to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Darrick McGhee McGhee, of Tallahassee, is the chief operating officer for Johnson & Blanton, LLC. He served as director of legislative affairs for the Executive Office of Governor Rick Scott from 2011 to 2014. McGhee serves on the Second Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission as well as The Children’s Movement and the United Way of the Big Bend. McGhee earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and religion from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. McGhee is appointed to a four-year term.

Dawn Hanson Hanson, of Tallahassee, has served as the director of administration for the Executive Officer of the Governor since 2005. She has over 15 years of experience involving all levels of human resources management and oversight. Hanson earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and business from Florida State University. Hanson is appointed to a four-year term. 

Angela Primiano Primiano, of Hollywood, is the administrative director of employee relations for Memorial Healthcare System, a hospital system she has worked for since 2013. She previously was director of human resources for AgroTrade American from 2012 until 2013. Primiano has been a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 2001. She earned her bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and master’s degrees in business administration and human resources from the University of Maryland. Primiano is appointed to a four-year term.

Monica Cepero Cepero, of Broward, is the deputy county administrator in the Office of the County Administrator for Broward County. Since 2008, Cepero has served in the County Administrator’s Office, first as an assistant to the county administrator then as assistant county administrator. Prior to joining the County Administrator’s office, Cepero served as the environmental policy advisor to Governor Jeb Bush. Cepero earned her bachelor’s degree in international affairs and her master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University. Cepero is appointed to a four-year term.    

Libby Farmer Farmer, of Tallahassee, serves at the bureau chief for the People First program at the Florida Department of Management Services. Prior to joining the People First program, Farmer served for over 20 years within the Division of Human Resource Management (HRM), which represents the Governor as the Chief Labor Negotiator for the State Personnel System (SPS). She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Florida State University.  Farmer is appointed to a four-year term.    

Larry Hart Hart, of Fort Myers, was elected Lee County Tax Collector in 2012 after being appointed to the position by Governor Rick Scott. Prior to being appointed tax collector, Hart served as Lee County’s assistant tax collector for 11 years. Previously, Hart served in law enforcement for 22 years and was the first African American police chief for the City of Fort Myers. He served in the United States Air Force from 1973 until 1977. He earned his bachelor’s degree in professional studies from Barry University. Hart is appointed to a four-year term.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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