Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY -- During the Annual Meeting of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) on June 27-30 in Collier County, Alachua County Commissioner Rodney J. Long was elected and sworn in as 2nd Vice President of the FAC. Commissioner Long ran against Commissioner Elaine Tucker of Okaloosa County.

Founded in 1929, the FAC is a non-profit association representing the interests of Florida's 67 counties. The FAC states that their mission is to “preserve and promote democratic principles by working to keep appropriate authority at the level of government closest to the people, and to increase the capacity of Florida counties to effectively serve and represent the citizens of the state through legislative action, education of public officials, and enhancement of public awareness about the role and functions of county government.”

The 2nd Vice President of the FAC sits on the Association’s Executive Committee. The five positions on the Executive Committee are one-year terms; however, once candidates are elected to 2nd Vice President, they typically run unopposed for the next ranking position on the Committee.

Among other duties, members of the Executive Committee oversee the administration of and provide policy guidance to the FAC Executive Director; adopt policies regarding the operation of the association and the conduct of association affairs; and recommend an annual budget to the Board of Directors.

Commissioner Long said of his election, "I'm extremely honored and humbled to be elected by my colleagues from around the state to serve in a position of leadership. I look forward to serving on the Executive Committee over the next couple of years, as well as serving as president in the future."

Commissioner Long has been active in the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) since being elected as a County Commissioner in 2000. His FAC experience includes; former member of the FAC Board of Directors; current board member of the Florida Counties Foundation; past vice chair of the Finance and Accounting Committee; member of the Urban Caucus, Florida Counties Foundation Curriculum Committee, Florida Counties Foundation Bylaws Committee, past member; President Select Committee on Article V, past member; President Select Committee on Medicaid Reform, past member; President Select Committee on Impact Fees and School Concurrency; an active participant in the FAC County Commission Lobbyist Program.

For more information about the FAC, please visit their website at www.fl-counties.com.