ABOVE: Jennifer Webb. Photo by Dylan Todd.
TALLAHASSEE | Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried has appointed former State Rep. Jennifer Webb to serve on the Florida Commission on the Status of Women.
The FCSW works “to deliver programming aimed at improving the well-being of Florida women and girls – and by extension, all Floridians.” 22 appointed members serve on the nonpartisan board, which was created in 1991.
The body makes recommendations to Florida’s governor, cabinet and legislature on issues affecting women, presented via annual report. As Commissioner of Agriculture, Fried is responsible for appointing three members for four-year terms.
Webb made history in 2018 when she became the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature. She served for two years in then-House District 69, which included 12 cities throughout the greater St. Petersburg area, serving as Democratic Deputy Whip and championing a number of causes with key committee appointments.
“In these unprecedented times, it is crucial members of this commission are champions for women and are invested in finding real solutions that will improve the lives of future generations of women,” Fried said in statement.
“Based on her record as a legislator and community advocate,” she continued, “I am confident Representative Webb will be a valuable addition, and I look forward to seeing all she will do on the Commission.”
Webb also reflected on her appointment.
“I have long admired the work of Florida’s Commission on the Status of Women and I look forward to celebrating and supporting other outstanding women,” she said. “But I also want to highlight the challenges that women and children face throughout Florida, so that we can come up with common sense recommendations for our highest public officials that will help all Floridians thrive.
“Food insecurity has been a silent problem hurting our communities for decades,” Webb concluded, “and I look forward to building on Commissioner Fried’s legacy to reduce hunger and food insecurity once and for all.”
In addition to her work in the legislature, Webb is the partner and co-founder of Omni Public, a global strategy firm specializing in progressive initiatives. Reflecting on her time in the Florida Legislature, she advised Watermark in 2018 that “I don’t have a failure of imagination when it comes to how to serve the people of Florida.”
Fried made the announcement during a virtual press conference, noting that she was proud to name Webb is her final appointment in the role. The two were joined by Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger Caitlyn Peacock and Jennifer Yeagley, CEO of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.
View the video below, via the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services:
Learn more about the Florida Commission on the Status of Women at FCSW.net.
