Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of five members to the Children’s Trust of Alachua County (CTAC): Dr. Patricia Snyder, Nancy Hardt, Dr. Margarita Labarta, Dr. Karen Cole-Smith, and Charles “Lee” Pinkoson. These members were appointed by the Governor from a list of 15 candidates submitted by Alachua County’s Board of County Commissioners.
In speaking of the appointments, Alachua County Commission Ken Cornell, Chair of the Children’s Trust, said, “The Governor has appointed five excellent CTAC members. I am very glad to now have a full slate of highly qualified and devoted individuals who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in the lives of our children.” He continued saying, “I want to thank all of those who were willing to serve and I encourage everyone to attend our meetings and stay engaged.”
Governor DeSantis’ CTAC appointments:
Dr. Patricia Snyder
Dr. Snyder, of Gainesville, is the director of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from the State University of New York, her master’s degree in special education from Millersville University and her doctorate degree in early childhood special education from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Snyder is appointed to a four-year term.
Nancy Hardt
Hardt, of Micanopy, served as a professor at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine with specialties in obstetrics, gynecology, and pathology from 1981 until her retirement in 2014. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia and her master’s degree in gynecology and pathology from Loyola University Chicago. Hardt is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Margarita Labarta
Dr. Labarta, of Gainesville, recently retired as the president and chief executive officer of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare. Currently, she serves as chair for the Florida Council for Community Mental Health and as a member of Mental Health Corporations of America and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and mathematics from Barry University and her master’s degree and doctorate degree in clinical and community psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Labarta is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Karen Cole-Smith
Dr. Cole-Smith, of Gainesville, is the executive director of community outreach at Santa Fe College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminology and sociology from Bethune-Cookman University, her master’s degree in sociology and criminology from Ohio State University and her doctorate degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Florida. Dr. Cole-Smith is appointed to a two-year term.
Charles “Lee” Pinkoson
Pinkoson, of Gainesville, served as an Alachua County Commissioner from 2002 until 2018. He served on the Florida Association of Counties’ Board of Directors from 2002 until 2019. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. Pinkoson is appointed to a three-year term.
