Gov. Scott Appoints Two New Members to EFSC Board of Trustees

Gov. Rick Scott has appointed two new members to the Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees.

They are Bruce Deardoff and Dr. Edgar Figueroa.

Deardoff, 70, of Cocoa Beach, is the chairman of Deardoff Automotive Group and a former member of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Fordham University. Deardoff was appointed for a term beginning July 16, 2018 and ending May 31, 2022.

He succeeds Dewey Harris who has served on the Board since 2010. Harris is the founder of the accounting firm Harris, Miller & Bernhardt, P.A.

Figueroa, 62, of Melbourne, is a trauma surgeon with Health First Melbourne. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Puerto Rico and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Central del Este.

He was appointed for a term beginning July 16, 2018 and ending May 31, 2022.

Figueroa succeeds Myra Igo Haley, who has served on the Board since 2011. She is President of the Igo Family Foundation.

Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

"Bruce Deardoff and Dr. Figueroa are exceptional community leaders who bring a wealth of experience in business and health care to the board," said Richey.

"Their contributions will be invaluable as we continue growing the college to offer more opportunities to our students and providing area businesses and industry the skilled employees they need. I look forward to working closely with both of them."

Richey also praised Harris and Haley for their service, saying they played a key role in helping transform what had been Brevard Community College into Eastern Florida State College in 2013.

During their tenure, the college launched 57 new programs including nearly 20 Bachelor’s Degree tracks, and constructed new academic buildings and facilities on the Melbourne, Cocoa and Palm Bay campuses.

"Their foresight and leadership were central in helping make Eastern Florida one of the top institutions of higher education in Florida," said Richey.

"All of us at the college are grateful for their dedication. Their work will benefit our community for decades to come."

Other members of the Board of Trustees are Chair Alan Landman, Vice Chair Ronald House, and Moses Harvin, Sr.