Gov. Scott Names Two Members to EFSC Board of Trustees

Gov. Rick Scott has announced the reappointment of Moses Harvin Sr. and the appointment of Ronald Howse to the Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees.

Howse replaces Board Chair Steve Charpentier, who is stepping down after serving as a trustee since 2008.

During that time he helped lead the college through a major transformation that turned Brevard Community College into Eastern Florida State College and allowed it to offer Bachelor Degrees.

The Board is expected to select a new chair and vice chair at its next meeting Aug. 17.

Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Harvin joined the Board in 2011 and has also played a central role in guiding the college forward, including its elevated status and approving a major expansion plan for the Melbourne Campus to construct six new academic buildings.

A retired Army Major and former Army Ranger, Harvin is President and CEO of American Services Technology Inc., a company that serves federal agencies including the Army, Air Force and Department of Veterans Affairs.

“The college is moving in a very positive direction and I’m excited about the chance to finish the work that we’ve started,” said Harvin, a Melbourne resident.

Harvin received his Bachelor’s Degree from Claflin University and a Master's Degree from Webster University. His reappointment is for a term beginning July 15, 2015, and ending May 31, 2019.

Howse is a self-employed investor, licensed civil engineer and land surveyor. The Cocoa resident received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.

“The focus of the college on helping the community and working closely with businesses is phenomenal,” said Howse. “My daughter also went to then-BCC, had a great experience and is now in medical school so this is a way for me to give something back.”

His appointment is for a term beginning July 15, 2015, and ending May 31, 2019.

Charpentier, a Melbourne attorney and former President of the Brevard County Bar Association, called his time on the Board rewarding and said he was fortunate to have participated in the college’s successful growth.

“We’ve built something bigger and better that’s benefiting our students and community in a significant way, and that impact will keep mounting in the future,” he said. “The college is in great shape and in very good hands under the leadership of its president, Dr. Jim Richey.”

Richey thanked Gov. Scott for the Harvin and Howse appointments, saying they guarantee the college will continue having a strong Board focused on providing students with affordable programs aimed at high wage in-demand careers that support local workforce needs.

“I value the Board’s leadership a great deal and will continue seeking their ideas and guidance as we start more new initiatives in the years ahead,” he said.

Richey also praised Charpentier’s service, saying “his devotion to the college and higher education is exemplary, and the college’s strong position today is in no small measure due to his many efforts.”