Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Four to the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Christie Bassett, Jeffrey Beelaert, and Jack Harrell and the reappointment of Ilya Shapiro to the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees.

Christie Bassett, EdD

Bassett is a self-employed Education Consultant and Professional Learning Facilitator. Active in her community, she previously served as a member of the Florida Education Practices Committee and the Keep Florida Learning Committee and was designated as the 2015 State of Florida Teacher of the Year. Bassett earned her associate degree from Polk State College, her bachelor's degree in art education and her master's degree in education from Florida Southern College, and her doctorate in education from Walden University.

Jeffrey Beelaert

Beelaert is a Partner at Givens Pursley. Previously, he served as a Deputy Associate Attorney General at the United States Department of Justice and as a Partner at Stein Mitchell Beato & Missner, LLP. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Beelaert earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the United States Naval Academy, his master's degree in public policy from Duke University, and his juris doctor from the University of North Carolina.

Jack Harrell

Harrell is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Harrell's, LLC. Active in his community, he currently serves as Chair of the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors. Harrell earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and management from Samford University and his master's degree in turf and turfgrass management from Clemson University.

Ilya Shapiro

Shapiro is a Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies for the Manhattan Institute. Active in his community, he is the Chairman of the Mississippi Justice Institute Board of Advisors and is a member of the Jewish Policy Center Board of Fellows. Shapiro earned his bachelor's degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University, his master's degree in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and his juris doctor from the University of Chicago.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.