Government and Politics
February 14, 2025
From: Florida Governor Ron DeSantisTALLAHASSEE, FL - On February 14 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Barbara Haselden and Hung Mai and the reappointment of John Browning Jr., Richard Burke, David Genson, and Alex Lastra to the Florida Transportation Commission.
Barbara Haselden
Haselden is the Owner and President of Barbara L. Haselden, Inc. She is a member of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and is a Licensed Florida Life and Health Insurance Agent. Haselden attended Ball State University.
Hung Mai
Mai is the President and Chief Executive Officer of H.T. Mai, Inc. He previously served as a member of the Hillsborough River Basin Board and the Hillsborough County Planning Commission. Mai earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Saigon.
John Browning Jr.
Browning is the President of Browning Consulting and Browning Packing and the Vice President of Political Affairs at Murray H. Goodman. He is currently appointed to the Florida Historical Commission and is a member of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurants and Lodging Association. Browning earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida State University.
Richard Burke
Burke is an Operating Partner at Energy Capital Partners Management, LP. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Biffa and is a member of the K9s for Warriors Board of Directors and the Environmental Research and Education Foundation Board of Directors. Burke earned his bachelor’s degree from Randolph Macon College.
David Genson
Genson is the President of Development at Barron Collier Companies. Active in his community, he is a member of the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Collier, and Leadership Florida. He was previously appointed to the Collier County Housing Authority. Genson earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his master’s degree in business administration from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Alex Lastra
Lastra is the Managing Partner of Desarrollo Florida, LLC. Previously, he served as the Senior Managing Director of Atlantic Pacific Development and was the President and executive board member of the Latin Builders Association. Lastra earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida International University.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.