BARTOW, Fla. – The Florida Citrus Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint industry veteran Shannon Shepp as executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.
Since July, Shepp has served as interim executive director. Prior to that she held the position of deputy executive director and was responsible for overseeing administrative operations as well as nutrition, quality and economic research.
“It was an easy decision,” said Commission Chairman Marty McKenna. “In her brief time here, Shannon has displayed all the qualities and credentials we need to fill the position. She’s a perfect fit and I look forward to seeing what she’ll do next.”
Prior to joining the Department in August 2013, Shepp served for 12 years with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Most recently, Shepp was the deputy commissioner of agriculture responsible for the divisions of Plant Industry, Fruit and Vegetables, Marketing and Development, Animal Industry, and Food Nutrition and Wellness. She also served as the director of the division of fruits and vegetables for six years.
Shepp previously worked as a public affairs manager at Florida Citrus Mutual and as a legislative assistant and government affairs director. She has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of South Florida.
“I’m happy to continue in this role and am grateful for the confidence the Commission has expressed in me and in our team during this pivotal time,” Shepp said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the commissioners and all of our stakeholders to promote Florida Citrus and add value to the hardworking men and women who make our industry great.”
Shepp is the first woman to lead the Florida Department of Citrus, which was formed in 1935.
About the Florida Citrus Commission
The Florida Citrus Commission is the governing board of the Florida Department of Citrus, an executive agency of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. The commission is a nine-member board appointed by the governor to represent citrus growers, processors and packers. FDOC activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs nearly 62,000 people and provides an annual economic impact of nearly $10.7 billion to the state. For more information about the Florida Department of Citrus, please visit FloridaCitrus.org.
Source: Florida Citrus Commission
