Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Three to the TSC District Board of Trustees

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the reappointment of Jonathan Kilpatrick and Monte Stevens and the appointment of Monesia Brown to the Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees.

“We applaud the Governor’s appointment of these community leaders to our District Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President of TSC. “Each has an impressive track record of public service, is a tremendous advocate of education, and values the mission of our College. I have no doubt they will be excellent champions for our students.”

Jonathan Kilpatrick was originally appointed to the Board in 2014 and is currently serving as chair. He is the founder and CEO of Trulight LLC, specializing in technology strategy, regulatory compliance, and cyber security. Kilpatrick has spent more than 30 years of his career leading innovative technology solutions, previously serving as the Chief Information Officer for the City of Tallahassee. Kilpatrick is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Florida Air National Guard serving as a Cyber Systems Officer. He is currently assigned to Joint Forces Headquarters in St Augustine, Florida, where he serves as the cyber security advisor to Air National Guard State Staff.  He also serves as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of St. Marks.

“I am deeply grateful for the Governor’s confidence in me,” said Kilpatrick. “I look forward to continuing the exceptional work at Tallahassee State College alongside my colleagues and am excited to welcome Trustee Brown to our Board.”

Monte Stevens is a Partner at The Southern Group. Previously, he was Deputy Chief of Staff at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and worked in legislative affairs at the Agency for Healthcare Administration and the Department of Financial Services. Stevens was a member of two national champion debate teams at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science before earning a master’s degree in speech communication from Kansas State University. He was originally appointed to the board by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021.

“I am honored by the Governor’s decision to allow me to continue my service on the Board,” said Stevens. “Tallahassee State College stands as a top-tier institution and the College of Choice for our students. I am excited to collaborate with President Murdaugh and my fellow trustees to ensure our ongoing success.”

Monesia “Mone” Brown is Vice President of Government Relations for North Highland, a global consultancy firm based out of Atlanta, Georgia. An attorney and consultant, her career has focused on legislative and executive branch matters such as economic development, state procurement, education, and more. Her experience spans emergency disaster response and recovery, corporate community investment, and managing corporate initiatives in Florida in partnership with state and local governments. Prior to joining North Highland, she served as director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Walmart Inc. She also served as a member of the Florida State Board of Education from 2021 to 2024.

“Thank you to Governor DeSantis for this opportunity to serve at Tallahassee State College,” said Brown. “The College has such an outstanding reputation in our community as well as nationally. I am thrilled to join the District Board of Trustees and help continue that legacy of excellence.”

Trustees are appointed to four-year terms. Appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.