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INTRODUCTION
<br />The Medical Examiners Act, Chapter 406, Part I, Florida Statutes, was enacted by the 1970
<br />Legislature in order to establish minimum and uniform standards of excellence in statewide
<br />medical examiner services. This report is compiled to illustrate the direction taken by the
<br />Medical Examiners Commission (MEC) during 2023 to ensure an effective and viable program
<br />of medical examiner services throughout Florida.
<br />COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
<br />New Appointments
<br />Honorable Michael A. Barnett, Palm Beach County Commissioner, was appointed by Governor
<br />Ron DeSantis to the county commissioner position on the Commission. He replaces County
<br />Commissioner Carol Whitmore from Manatee County. Mr. Barnett's appointment is for a term
<br />beginning February 10, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025.
<br />Amira Fox, J.D., the Twentieth Circuit State Attorney, was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
<br />to the state attorney position on the Commission. She replaces former State Attorney Jeffrey
<br />Siegmeister from the Third Judicial Circuit. Mrs. Fox's appointment is for a term beginning
<br />February 10, 2023, and ending June 30, 2023. Honorable Fox continues to serve on the
<br />Commission until reappointed or replaced by the Governor.
<br />Honorable Robert "Bob" Johnson, Santa Rosa County Sheriff, was appointed by Governor Ron
<br />DeSantis to the Sheriff position on the Commission. He replaces Honorable Harrell Reid,
<br />Hamilton County Sheriff. Mr. Johnson's appointment is for a term beginning February 10, 2023,
<br />and ending June 30, 2025.
<br />Joshua Stephany M.D., the district medical examiner of District 9/25, was appointed by
<br />Governor Ron DeSantis to one of the district medical examiner positions on the Commission.
<br />He replaces Dr. Stephen Nelson, District 10 Medical Examiner. Dr. Stephany's appointment is
<br />for a term beginning February 10, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
<br />Reappointments
<br />Barbara C. Wolf M.D., the district medical examiner of District 5/24, was reappointed for a term
<br />beginning February 10, 2023, and ending June 30, 2023. Dr. Wolf continues to serve on the
<br />Commission until reappointed or replaced by the Governor.
<br />Robin Giddens Sheppard, L.F.D., a licensed funeral director for Hardage Giddens Funeral
<br />Home was reappointed for a term beginning February 10, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
<br />Honorable Charlie Cofer, J.D., the 4th Judicial Circuit's elected public defender was reappointed
<br />for a term beginning February 10, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025.
<br />MEDICAL EXAMINER DISTRICTS
<br />In 2023, the Commission recommended that the medical examiners for Districts 16, 18, 19, 20,
<br />21, 22, 23 and 24 be reappointed by the Governor for additional three-year terms.
<br />District 16
<br />Dr. Michael Steckbauer
<br />District 18
<br />Dr. Sajid Qaiser
<br />District 19
<br />Dr. Patricia Aronica
<br />District 20
<br />Dr. Marta Coburn
<br />District 21
<br />Dr. Rebecca Hamilton
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