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Board confirms Karen Kozak as Okeechobee County emergency management director
Summary
Karen Kozak, who previously worked with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and St. Lucie County, was confirmed unanimously as Okeechobee County—s emergency management director.
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously confirmed Karen Kozak as Okeechobee County—s emergency management director pursuant to the county administrator—s recommendation and Florida Statute cited during the item.
County staff presented Kozak—s qualifications: six years of emergency management experience with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and St. Lucie County, a master—s degree in emergency health services, a bachelor—s degree in public safety from Indian River State College, and leadership certificates including a high performance leadership master—s certificate from the National Association of Counties. Commissioners asked whether Kozak would relocate or be available during hurricane activation; she confirmed she would be available for activation and emergency operations.
Motion and vote: A motion to confirm the appointment carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The appointment fills a department head position that staff said is statutorily required to be confirmed by the board and places a candidate with regional emergency management experience in the role ahead of the hurricane season.
