Welcome David Abramowitz, Dir. FL Dept. Children & Families, NE Region

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

WE MEET RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

Lunch begins at noon - Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.

David Abramowitz

Director of the Florida Department of 

Children & Families' Northeast Region

David Abramowitz is the Region Director of the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Northeast Region, which covers 20 counties, including the metropolitan areas of Jacksonville, Gainesville and Daytona Beach.  Abramowitz joined DCF in January 2012.

As the Region Director, Abramowitz oversees DCF’s operations in the Northeast Region, including child welfare, adult abuse and neglect, economic self-sufficiency benefits and substance abuse and mental health services.

Abramowitz came to DCF from the U.S. Army, where he spent 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel.  Most recently, he was an Inspector General with the United States Army Forces Command. 

“David’s experience as a leader of talented men and women in a complex organization will be a wonderful addition to our Department as we continue to enhance oversight of our structure and our contracted partners,” said David Wilkins, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families.

Abramowitz’s years in the U.S. Army began as an aviation officer.  He then served as a battalion commander in Germany and a brigade commander in Korea.  In 2007, he served as commandant of the Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas, and then as chief of staff for the Iraq Assistance Group in Baghdad. 

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science from the United States Air Force Academy.  Additionally, he has a master’s degree in international security strategy studies from the United States Army War College and a master’s degree in military art and science from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

During his years in the military, Abramowitz was responsible for several initiatives to help children and families.  Following Hurricane Katrina, his team at the Sergeants Major Academy helped the city of El Paso establish centers for people from the Gulf Coast who had been displaced by the storm.  He also made it mandatory for students at the academy to participate in projects to help the community, including Habitat for Humanity and mentoring children from area schools.

“David has a legacy of service to this country and will be a great addition in our Northeast Regional office,” Secretary Wilkins said.  “We are proud to have someone of his caliber join our agency and work with us to protect children, families and vulnerable adults.”

Rotary District 6970 Conference  

Friday, May 17 - 18, 2013

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center 

Gainesville, FL

 “A Day of Action, Ideas, and Inspiration”

Join Us to Relax, Renew and Re-ignite

• Exciting Keynote Speakers
• House of Friendship
• Inspiring RI projects
• Island Theme, casual dress
• Poolside party with live band and Caribbean food
• Fun and Fellowship

To register:       http://rotarydistrict6970.org/

Friday, May 17, 2013
9:00 am                         Open Registration Booth
11:30 am–1:00 pm     Lunch with Ken Frantz as keynote
1:00 pm                         Open House of Friendship (club displays)
1:30 pm-5:00 pm       Break Out Sessions
5:30 pm-10:30 pm     Caribbean Party at pool deck 

Saturday, May 18, 2013
7:30 am-8:30 am        Breakfast with Dr. Bethune, Keynote Speaker
9:00 am-10:30 am     Break Out Sessions                                                                                     
10:30 am-12:00 pm  Closing Session and Awards    

News From the Board

The Board is pleased to announce the following candidate has been approved for your consideration into membership; Reid Hartsfield-sponsor is PP Lee Mercier and the proposed classification is Finance/Banking-Financial Strategist.  Anyone having an objection should submit it in writing to the Board within ten (10) days.

Welcome New Member Alejandro Leon

Alejandro (Alex) Leon and his wife, Lina, are from Medellin, Colombia.  They have a 13 year old son who attends Bolles School.  Alex is President of Rampini Ceramics and prior to that was the General Manager of Metchemical for 10 years.  The family travels whenever they have the chance and they especially enjoy, Italy, Spain and France.  While in Florida, they ride bikes and head off to the beach.  Alex also enjoys golf.  

Mark Your Calendar

South Jacksonville Rotary Club Event

Jacksonville Suns Baseball Game
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Food & fun 5:45 pm , game time 7:05 pm
Includes All You Can Eat Pre-game Buffet  $16.95

Recap of the April 23rd Meeting

Greeters:   Sandi Christiansen

The Pledge & Prayer:  Les Loggins

PET Update:  PPJames Chansler

Committee Selection Update:  PE Harlan Bost

Introduction of Visitors & Guests: PP Lee Mercier

Introduction of Guest Speaker:  Pepe Hill

 Guest Speaker:  J.J. Conners, Member, Board of Directors
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund 

All of the justices sit on the Supreme Court of the Republic of Tatarstan. They have been appointed for life by the President of Russia. L-R  Our own, PP Judge Harvey Schlesinger, Hon.Galina Romanova, Hon. Mansur Sultanov,  Hon. Ramil Sharifullin, Vice Chief Justice and Chair of the  Republic of Tatarstan's Council of Judges, Hon. Islam Shaykhiyev, Hon. Larisa Imamova. Far right is Dr.Konstanton Kostin, Ph.D., the group facilitator.  He is an Associate Professor at St Petersburg State University of Economics and Service.  He won a Fulbright Fellowship and will be at UNF for the Fall Semester.