Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed a former top Justice Department official and renewed the terms of three business and civic leaders on the University of South Florida Board of Trustees.
DeSantis appointed Chad Mizelle, adding a nationally known political figure to the Board that oversees one of Florida’s largest universities. DeSantis also reappointed Rogan Donelly, Michael Carrere and Lauran Monbarren to the Board.
Mizelle recently served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under Attorney General Pam Bondi. His exit earlier this year drew national coverage amid broader scrutiny of DOJ leadership decisions. According to reporting by Axios, Mizelle worked with Bondi to reverse Joe Biden-era policies and advance President Donald Trump’s agenda, including the firing of staff accused of politicizing the Department by the President.
Previously, Mizelle also served as the Chief Legal Officer of Affinity Partners, Chief of Staff and acting General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, Associate Counsel at The White House, and Chair of the Florida Elections Commission.
Donelly is President and CEO of Sarasota-based Tervis Tumbler Company, which underwent a chapter 11 restructuring in 2024. He also serves as a trustee of the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and is a recipient of USF’s Outstanding Alumni Award.
Carrere is a retired executive who previously served as CEO of Lykes Brothers Inc. and also as a member of the Northeast Bank of Clearwater Board of Directors, the American Meat Institute Board of Directors, and the Florida Citrus Commission.
Monbarren is Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Simpson Environmental Services and Simpson Farms. She previously worked in higher education administration at Pasco-Hernando State College and taught in the Pasco County School District.
All four appointments will require confirmation by the Senate.
