FAMU Welcomes Three Leaders to Board of Trustees

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) welcomes three dynamic leaders to new appointments on the Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 7: Earnie Ellison, Emery Gainey, and Nicole Washington.

“We extend a warm welcome to Earnie Ellison and Emery Gainey, and welcome back to TaShunda “Nicole” Washington – three outstanding leaders who will bring great wisdom and experience to the FAMU Board of Trustees,” said FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. “It is an exciting time to be connected to Florida A&M University, and I look forward to working with the board as we continue to enhance the student experience.”

 

Earnie Ellison is the managing partner of the Ellison Consulting Group LLC, which provides consultancy in developing and implementing inclusionary strategies and event management for professional sports organizations and sports businesses. His prior corporate career includes PGA of America, director of business and community relations from 1997 - 2013; UDIC, executive vice president of business development from 1993-1997; Unisys, director of finance from 1988-1992; and corporate and division financial positions with IBM from 1970-1998. Ellison is a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

 

Emery Gainey is the Alachua County Sheriff. Previously, he served as the chief of staff for the Florida Attorney General’s Office and was appointed as the Sheriff of Marion County. Active in his community, het currently serves as chair of the Santa Fe College District Board of Trustees. A Gainesville native, Gainey earned his associate degree from Santa Fe College and bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 188th Session.

 

 

Nicole Washington is the founder of Washington Education Strategies, LLC., a state higher education policy consultant for the Lumina Foundation, and a state policy consultant for the Florida College Access Network. Active in her community, she is currently appointed to the Miami Dade College District Board of Trustees, is a board member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and previously served as the vice chair of the Constitution Revision Commission’s Education Subcommittee. Washington earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology, African American Studies, and education from Princeton University, her master’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Mercy University, and her master’s degree in international and comparative education from the Teacher’s College of Columbia University.

The Florida Board of Governors appointed Ellison on Dec. 20. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Gainey and Washington on Dec. 30. Gainey and Washington are replacing Trustees Kenny Stone and Otis Cliatt, whose terms expired on January 6, 2025. Ellison is filling the former BOG seat held by Washington.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

 

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