Rick Scott picks Glenn Sutphin as interim head of Department of Veterans Affairs

Gov. Rick Scott has nominated Lt. Col. Glenn Sutphin to be interim executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sutphin has been chief of staff and legislative affairs director for the Department of Military Affairs since 1999. He served in the Florida National Guard as an Army officer and a Field Artillery Officer for more than 30 years. While he was a guardsman, Sutphin was the DeSoto County Development Director.

“Glenn has done a great job at the Department of Military Affairs advocating for all of Florida’s National Guardsmen for almost 20 years,” Scott said in a prepared statement. “He served alongside the brave men and women of our state in the Florida National Guard and has dedicated his career to not only making sure all Floridians are safe, but also making Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

Scott also said he’s confident Sutphin “will provide great leadership while continuing to advocate for all of Florida’s veterans.”

The appointment is subject to the approval of the Florida Cabinet. According to the governor’s office, the Cabinet will meet on April 26 to vote on the appointment.

If appointed, Sutphin would fill the vacancy created when Mike Prendergast resigned. Prendergast is running for Citrus County Sheriff.