The Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking elected member Connie Rose as chair and Groover Skipper as vice chair during its Jan. 23 meeting.

Deborah Cromartie Mincey of the County Attorney’s Office facilitated the election. Staff said one emailed nomination had been received for each office; members voted by a show of hands to certify Rose and Skipper in their new roles. Chief Judge Seville (declining the secretary nomination) said escalating responsibilities prevent continued service in that role, and commissioners agreed to leave the secretary seat vacant until the steering committee recruits a candidate and the full board votes in March.

The leadership changes come as the commission moves into a new year of implementing a strategic plan and public‑education campaign aimed at prevention and survivor services. The commission’s steering committee will oversee recruiting for the open secretary position and continue to develop action items for the full board to consider.