Governor DeSantis appoints Keith Perry to the Board of Governors of the State University System

Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Ashley Lukis, Michael Okaty, Keith Perry, and Nick Sinatra and the reappointment of Ashley Bell Barnett and Charles Lydecker to the Board of Governors of the State University System.

Ashley Lukis

Lukis is a Shareholder at GrayRobinson, P.A., where she represents public entities and private clients alike in complex state, federal, and administrative litigation. Active in her community, she has served on the Florida Commission on Ethics, including one year as the Chair of the Commission, and was listed among the 2024 Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars by Super Lawyers Magazine. Lukis earned her bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies and her juris doctor from Florida State University. 

Michael Okaty

Okaty is a Partner at Foley & Lardner, LLP. Active in his community, he is a member of the New York University Alumni Association Board of Directors and the OneBlood Foundation Board of Directors, and he was recognized as the 2023 Lawyer of the Year in business organizations law by The Best Lawyers in America. Okaty earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from New York University.

Keith Perry

Perry is the President and Owner of Perry Roofing Contractors. Active in his community, he was previously elected to the Florida Senate, representing Districts 8 & 9, and as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing Districts 21 & 22. Perry is a member of the Alachua County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and previously served as the President of the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County and the President of House of Hope. 

Nick Sinatra

Sinatra is the Founder of Sinatra and Company. Previously, he served as an Associate Political Director for The White House for President George W. Bush. Sinatra earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Yale University and his master’s degree in business administration from The Wharton School.

Ashley Bell Barnett

Bell Barnett is a community advocate and serves her community in a variety of capacities. She currently serves on the Polk State College District Board of Trustees, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Polk Arts Alliance Advisory Committee. Bell Barnett earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Florida.

Charles Lydecker

Lydecker is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Foundation Risk Partners. Active in his community, he is the Chairman of the American University Board of Trustees and is a member of the NASCAR Foundation, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors. Lydecker earned his bachelor’s degrees in political science and business administration from American University.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.