Gov. DeSantis announcements two reappointments, one new appointment to SRWMD Governing Board

LIVE OAK, FLA., AUGUST 28, 2024 – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week the reappointments of two Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board members and the appointment of a new Board member. 

Harry Smith and Larry Thompson were reappointed for their second terms and George Wheeler was announced to fill the open Aucilla Basin seat. 

“We are pleased that Gov. DeSantis has reappointed Mr. Smith and Mr. Thompson to our Governing Board,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “We are also excited to have Mr. Wheeler begin his appointment. We look forward to having his experience on the Board.” 

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. 

Smith, of Lake City, was appointed by Gov. DeSantis in 2020 to serve as an At Large member. He is employed at Mayo Ag Services. Previously, he served as vice president of Feed Operations for Central States Enterprises. Smith earned his associate degree from Santa Fe College and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida. 

Thompson, of Bell, was appointed by Gov. DeSantis in 2020 to represent the Lower Suwannee Basin region. He is the president of Straw America, LLC and the vice president of Nature’s Source. He is a member of the CareerSource Florida Crown Board of Director and the Central Florida Electric Cooperative. Thompson previously served as a member of the Suwannee County Housing Authority. 

Wheeler, of Madison, is the owner of Wheeler Tree Farm. He is the president of the Cherry Lake Water Utility Board of Directors, the director of the Madison County Florida Farm Bureau, and a member of the Florida Forestry Association and the American Tree Farmer Association. Wheeler earned his associate degree from North Florida College. 

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties. 

For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. 

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