Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Jeffrey Bragg has been tapped to head up Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs.
Bragg will replace Sam Verghese, the current Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs, according to Gov. Rick Scott’s Office. Verghese, the Governor’s Office announced Wednesday, is stepping down to pursue options in the private sector.
Verghese’s last day is Sept. 23. That’s the same day Bragg will take over the helm of the agency.
“He has over 40 years of experience in the public and private sectors and is a proven leader who is uniquely qualified for this position. His experience, as well as his management skills, will bring new ideas to the department,” said Scott in a statement. “I am confident he will be a great advocate for the elderly in our state. I am thankful for Sam Verghese’s service to Florida families. He showed great care for the elderly in our state, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Bragg served as the executive director of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program at the U.S. Department of Treasury from 2003 until 2014. Before that, he served as the senior vice president for Zurich Risk Management and the executive vice president at Insurance Management Solutions. He also served as the administrator for the National Flood Insurance Plan at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
But if his name sounds familiar, it’s for the job he didn’t get.
Bragg was Scott’s top choice for the state’s Insurance Commissioner. He went to bat for Bragg, but under state law, Scott and CFO Jeff Atwater need to agree on one candidate. Atwater did not support Bragg for the job.
He was also recently passed over for an appointment to the Florida Public Service Commission. When the nominating committee recommended three candidates in August, Bragg did not make the final cut.
Verghese was appointed as Secretary of Elder Affairs in December 2014. Before his appointment, Verghese served as the chief of staff for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and as a staff director in the Florida House.
The news of Bragg’s appointment comes hours after Scott’s office announced Liz Dudek, the head of the Agency for Healthcare Administration, was retiring as of Oct. 3. Dudek has served in the role since 2011 and has worked as a state employee for more than 20 years. Justin Senior, the deputy secretary of the Division of Medicaid, will serve as the agency’s interim head.
