For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .
Tallahassee – Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Watson Haynes of St. Petersburg as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Haynes will serve a four-year term expiring September 30, 2011.
“We are thrilled to welcome Watson Haynes to the Commission,” said Commission Chair Donna Elam. “His proven dedication to the many pressing issues facing our state will be a wonderful asset to the Commission and the people we serve. He will play an instrumental role in future efforts to ensure a safe and respectful Florida for everyone.”
Watson Haynes has over 30 years of experience in administration and executive management. He has served as chair of the Charter Review Commission and the Pinellas Community Foundation and as co-chair of the Concerned Organizations for Quality Education for Black Students. Haynes was appointed to the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District where he served as diversity chairman. Currently, Haynes works as an associate minister for a local Baptist church.
The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.
The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.
For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us
