---
title: Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Six to Florida Historic Commission
canonical: https://flfeed.com/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-six-to-florida-historic-commission/
published: '2026-11-05T11:41:50-05:00'
updated: '2026-11-05T11:41:50-05:00'
author: FLFeed Staff
section: Governor
places:
- Palm Beach County
- St. Johns County
tags:
- Governor
- Appointments
- Universities
- Schools
- Beaches
- Museums
source: Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
source_url: https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-six-florida-historic-commission
publisher: FLFeed
attribution: Copyright FLFeed. Quote with credit to FLFeed and a link to the canonical URL above.
---

# Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Six to Florida Historic Commission

On an unspecified date, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Kelly Chase, David Drysdale, Rick Gonzalez, and Rodney Lewis, along with the reappointment of John Browning Jr. and David Hoyt to the Florida Historic Commission.

The appointments include professionals from various fields, such as architecture, history, and archaeology, reflecting a diverse range of expertise.

---

### Press Release: Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

*Reproduced in full from the [Office of Governor Ron DeSantis](https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-six-florida-historic-commission).*

#### Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Six to the Florida Historic Commission

**TALLAHASSEE, Fla.:**  Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Kelly Chase, David Drysdale, Rick Gonzalez, and Rodney Lewis and the reappointment of John Browning Jr. and David Hoyt to the Florida Historic Commission.

**John Browning Jr.**

Browning is the Senior Vice President of Political Affairs for the Goodman Company and the President of Browning Consulting. He is a veteran of the United States Army National Guard and was appointed to the National Council of Surface Transportation Research by former President George H.W. Bush. Browning earned his associate degree from St. Johns River State College and his bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida State University.

**Kelly Chase**

Chase is the Chief of the Bureau of Archaeological Research and previously served as Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. Chase earned a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and master’s from Florida State University.

**David Drysdale**

Drysdale is the owner of St. Augustine Alligator Farm. He is a local historian and member of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Study Group. Previously, he served on the Lightner Museum Board of Trustees. Drysdale is member of the Flagler College Board of Trustees.

**Rick Gonzalez**

Gonzalez is the president of REG Architects, Inc. and is a licensed professional architect. Previously, Gonzalez served as president of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and was a member of the City of West Palm Beach Planning Board. He is a member of the University of Florida's School of Architecture Board of Advisors. Gonzalez earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from the Catholic University of America

**David Hoyt**

Hoyt is the Executive Director of Development for the Heartland Institute. He was previously a Senior Consultant for AC Fitzgerald & Associates and the Founder and President of Liberty Development Group. Hoyt earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Tulane University.

**Rodney Lewis**

Lewi is Principle and Co-Founder of Architects Lewis + Whitlock (ALW). He is a licensed Professional Architect. Lewis is active with Big Bend Habitat for Humanity, the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and Seminole Boosters. Lewis graduated from Florida A&M University Architecture School.

Source: [Office of Governor Ron DeSantis](https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-six-florida-historic-commission)