Governor DeSantis Announces Appointments to TSC District Board of Trustees

December 22, 2025

Tallahassee State College (TSC) today welcomed the appointment of Sara Bayliss and Jonathan Rees, and the reappointment of Karen Moore, to the Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees, as announced by Governor Ron DeSantis. Bayliss and Rees will replace long-time trustees Jonathan Kilpatrick and Frank Messersmith.

The Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees is responsible for setting policy, overseeing the College's operations, and ensuring fiscal and academic accountability.

"We are grateful to Governor DeSantis for his continued support of Tallahassee State College and the Florida College System," said President Jim Murdaugh. "Each of these trustees brings valuable experience, insight, and a shared commitment to student success. We look forward to working with them as we continue advancing the College's mission and serving our community."

Sara Bayliss serves as a College Admissions Advisor at St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee and is a Counselor with Game Plan College Admissions Counseling. She is active in the community and currently serves on the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors. Bayliss holds a bachelor's degree in management information systems and French from the University of Iowa and a master's degree in business administration from Florida State University.

Jonathan Rees is a Partner at SBM Partners and brings extensive experience in state government affairs and public policy. His previous roles include Director of State Government Affairs for Anheuser-Busch, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Legislative Assistant to former State Representative and Congressman Ross Spano. Rees earned his bachelor's degree in international affairs from Florida State University.

Karen B. Moore was reappointed to the Board and continues her service to the College. She is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Moore Agency and is deeply involved in statewide education and economic development efforts. Moore currently serves as Chair of the Florida College System Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the BioFlorida Board of Directors. She earned her bachelor's degree in history from the University of Central Florida.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.