ByLaws

Adopted September 28, 2016
Amended November 7, 2024

Council Charter

Adopted: July 1, 2024
Amended June 5, 2025

The Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program’s Advisory Council is comprised of 18 members appointed by the State Surgeon General, in accordance with Chapter 381.78, Florida Statutes. Appointed members serve a four-year term on the council.

Effective July 1, 2024, there will be two new appointments added to this council for veterans or a family member of a veteran, who have or have had a traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or sub-concussive impacts due to military service.

Advisory Council Member Directory
NameAppointmentTerm BeginsTerm Ends
Don ChesterSpinal Cord Injury Survivor or Family Member8/17/20238/16/2027
Kevin MullinSpinal Cord Injury Survivor or Family Member11/5/202411/4/2028
Patty LanceSpinal Cord Injury Survivor or Family Member3/14/20233/13/2027
VacantSpinal Cord Injury Survivor or Family Member
VacantTraumatic Brain Injury Survivor or Family Member
VacantTraumatic Brain Injury Survivor or Family Member
VacantTraumatic Brain Injury Survivor or Family Member
VacantTraumatic Brain Injury Survivor or Family Member
VacantSpecial Needs of Children with Traumatic Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury
VacantSpecial Needs of Children with Traumatic Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury
VacantVeteran or Family Member with Traumatic Brain Injury
VacantVeteran or Family Member with Traumatic Brain Injury
Jill OlinickProfessional3/31/20223/30/2026
Dr. Adriana Valbuena ValecillosProfessional3/14/20233/13/2027
Brian Higdon, MDProfessional3/31/20223/30/2026
Dr. Abilash HaridasProfessional8/17/20238/16/2027
Carrie RayburnProfessional3/14/20233/13/2027
VacantProfessional
Membership Representation

As vacancies on the council occur, the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program reviews submitted applications to determine if the applicants meet the statutory requirement to serve in the vacant seat.

Apply to Serve on the Advisory Council

Those applicants that meet the requirement are submitted for review recommendation to the State Surgeon General who makes determination for the final appointment to the advisory council.

  • Four members who have a brain injury or are family members of individuals who have a brain injury.
  • Four members who have a spinal cord injury or are family members of individuals who have a spinal cord injury.
  • Two members who represent the special needs of children who have a brain or spinal cord injury.
  • Two members who represent veterans or are a family member of a veteran, who have or have had a traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or sub concussive impacts due to military service.
  • The balance shall be physicians, other allied health professionals, administrators of brain and spinal cord injury programs, and representatives from support groups that have expertise in areas related to the rehabilitation of individuals who have brain or spinal cord injuries.

Advisory Council Upcoming Meeting

  • June 2026 meeting details coming soon

Previous Meetings Minutes and Transcripts

2026
2025
2024