TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 31, 2019) –The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), one of the largest and most successful law enforcement associations in the nation, is pleased to announce its leadership for the 2019-2020 year. The newly-elected President, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, will preside over the association and work with the staff and board of directors to guide the efforts and direction of FSA and its 67 Sheriffs.

Sheriff Gualtieri began his career with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in 1982. He was appointed sheriff in 2011 and elected and re-elected in 2012 and 2016, respectively. Sheriff Gualtieri began his law enforcement and public service career as a detention deputy working in the Pinellas County jail. After attending the police academy, he joined the Dunedin Police Department as a patrol officer and later rejoined the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as a law enforcement deputy. Over the next 15 years, Sheriff Gualtieri served in many different components of the agency, including several years conducting domestic and international drug trafficking investigations as part of a DEA task force. Sheriff Gualtieri earned his bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg and his law degree from Stetson University College of Law. After graduating from Stetson and being admitted to the Florida Bar, Sheriff Gualtieri entered private practice in Tampa, specializing in labor and employment defense.

Sheriff Gualtieri returned to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 as its general counsel and was
appointed chief deputy in 2008. Sheriff Gualtieri served in the dual role of general counsel and chief deputy until he became sheriff in 2011. Earlier this year, Sheriff Gualtieri received the 2019 Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year award from the National Sheriffs’ Association.

“It is an honor to serve as President of a prestigious and historical organization such as the Florida Sheriffs Association,” Sheriff Gualtieri said. “We will do everything it takes to continue making the association and our community proud.”

“The Florida Sheriffs Association is very fortunate to have Sheriff Gualtieri stepping in to lead us into the year 2020,” said Columbia County Sheriff and Immediate Past President Mark Hunter. “Sheriff Gualtieri will represent the association, the state of Florida and our fellow sheriffs well as we work to keep our momentum swiftly moving forward by doing everything possible to keep our citizens and visitors safe.”

Other FSA board appointments are:

• Vice President: Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Gilchrist County
• Secretary: Sheriff Tom Knight, Sarasota County
• Treasurer: Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Levy County
• Immediate Past President: Sheriff Mark Hunter, Columbia County
• Chair: Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Hernando County
• Vice-Chair: Sheriff Bill Leeper, Nassau County

“Electing a new board of directors to lead the efforts of the Florida Sheriffs Association for the coming year and through the legislative session is a top priority every year,” said FSA Executive Director Steve Casey. “The sheriffs who have been elected by their peers for their roles are truly the best in the country, and we know that they will lead with the principle and integrity upon which our association was founded over 125 years ago.”

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About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation made up of the 67 Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services.  Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org