FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2014

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health today announced Cynthia (Cindy) Dick as the new Division Director for Emergency Preparedness and Community Support. Cindy will oversee the Bureaus of Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Oversight, Public Health Pharmacy, Public Health Laboratories and Radiation Control. She brings to the position over 26 years of experience in emergency preparedness and response services with a strong background in emergency education and training, community support, health planning and administration.

"Cindy is a proven leader in emergency preparedness and incident command," said Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children's Medical Services Dr. Celeste Philip. "Her unique and diverse experience puts her in a great position to further strengthen our statewide efforts to integrate public safety and health services across sectors and agencies."

Cindy served as the City of Tallahassee Fire Chief from 2005–2013, a role in which she was responsible for guiding the direction and activities of the Tallahassee Fire Department. In previous positions, Cindy has served as a Fire Battalion Captain, Fire Lieutenant and Firefighter. She also served as a Fire Service Instructor for seven years at the Lively Area Vo-Tech Institute.

Cindy has been recognized nationally for her work and has held several positions with organizations such as the Florida Fire Chief's Association, Florida Domestic Security Oversight Council, North Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force and Florida Domestic Security Resource Committee. Along with a successful career with the City of Tallahassee, Cindy was named the 2012 Florida Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chief's Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. During 2014, the Department is recognizing 125 years of public health in Florida with educational opportunities and events. Please visit www.FLHealth125.gov for more information.

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