Governor Reappoints Ross To Polk State College District Board Of Trustees

Gov. Rick Scott recently announced Cindy Hartley Ross’s reappointment to the Polk State College District Board of Trustees.

Ross has served on the District Board of Trustees for 14 years — from 1999 to 2011 and since her reappointment in 2015. She has served as both Chair and Vice Chair.

Her latest term started Dec. 21, 2017, and will end May 31, 2021.

“Trustee Ross’s reappointment is a testament to her hard work and commitment to the College,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “I am honored to serve under the District Board of Trustees and look forward to continuing to work closely with Trustee Ross and the fellow Board members to exceed the goals for our institution.”

Ross is a Lakeland native who has served on the Polk State College Foundation Board and as president of the Polk State College Alumni Association. The 1979 Polk State graduate received the December 2017 Distinguished Alumna Award for her achievements and dedication to the College.

In addition to her work with Polk State, Ross is involved on many boards and organizations at both the state and national levels. She serves on the Executive Committee and Foundation Board of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Florida House in Washington, D.C.

She is also Program Chairperson for the Republican Congressional Spouses and a member of The Congressional Club, a bipartisan spouse’s group. She is married to U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross and their family boasts more than 15 Polk State alumni, including their two sons, Shane and Travis.

“Trustee Ross embodies Polk State’s motto, We Are Polk. She works tirelessly for both the College and the Polk County community, and I am thrilled she will serve on the District Board of Trustees for many more years.”

Locally, Ross is a member of the Polk Arts Alliance Art Resource Council and the Polk Museum of Art Board of Governors. She has served on the Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board, Girls Inc. of Lakeland Board of Directors, and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

“Trustee Ross embodies Polk State’s motto, We Are Polk,” Falconetti said. “She works tirelessly for both the College and the Polk County community, and I am thrilled she will serve on the District Board of Trustees for many more years.”

The District Board of Trustees is made up of members who are vested with oversight of all College policies, including matters related to programs, buildings, finances, and personnel. Florida’s governor appoints the members, who serve without compensation. All appointments are subject to Florida Senate confirmation.