Board of Governors confirms University of Florida’s newest trustee

June 19, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The State University System’s Board of Governors today confirmed the University of Florida’s newest trustee.

David Brandon, founder of Brandon Construction Company in Palm Harbor, is a 1981 graduate of UF’s highly regarded M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management and has expressed continued commitment to the university as a fundraiser and charter member of the School of Building Construction Advisory Council.

He also serves as a contributory member of the College of Engineering Structural Wind Mitigation Design Advisory Panel and the University of Florida School of Building Construction Executive Committee. He is a former member of the College of Design, Construction and Planning Campaign Council.

"David Brandon's business experience, community service and commitment to the University of Florida will serve him well in his role as a trustee.  We welcome him to the board and look forward to his contributions," UF President Bernie Machen said.

Brandon also has an impressive record of professional and community service. His construction firm is known for its high-quality and energy-efficient buildings, which include high-rise condominiums, office buildings and retail establishments.  He is past president of the Palm Harbor Rotary Club and of the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce and previously served as chairman of the Palm Harbor Community Service Agency. He is also immediate past chair of the YMCA of the Suncoast, with branches from Pinellas County through Citrus County along the west coast.

“I love the University of Florida, and I want to help it continue to prosper,” Brandon said. “I look forward to working with President Machen and the rest of the trustees to establish UF as a nationally preeminent university.”

With 50,000 students, 16 colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes, the University of Florida has the highest graduation and retention rates in the system and the state’s highest endowment. It is also one of two preeminent universities in the state, as designated by the Florida Legislature.

“We fully expect that UF will be one of the country’s top 10 public universities in the next five years, and the Board of Trustees will play a huge role in making that goal a reality,” said Board of Governors Chair Mori Hosseini. “David Brandon’s professional acumen and demonstrated commitment to the University of Florida make him an excellent choice for this position.”

Each state university has a 13-member Board of Trustees responsible for cost-effective policy and implementing and maintaining high-quality education programs consistent with the university's mission. Trustees also work to adhere to state policy, budgeting and education standards.