INAUGURATION SPEAKERS

improvement and continues to expand service offerings at UF Health Leesburg Hospital and UF Health The Villages® Hospital to better meet the needs of residents in our vibrant and rapidly expanding region. Passionate about nursing, Long proudly holds an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Lake-Sumter State College and a Master of Science in Nursing from Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and was a previous nominee for Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Women in Healthcare Award.

Lorena Markham is a Bilingual Enrollment Specialist at Lake-Sumter State College. In her role, she helps prospective students take the first steps in pursuing their educational goals. Markham has a BAS in Supervision and Management from Daytona State College. Additionally, she was chosen to be an Olympic Torch Bearer in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics for her work with first-generation college students.

Dr. Charles Mojock is the fifth president of Lake-Sumter State College, serving from 2002 to 2015. Mojock retired with over 40 years of service in education, including 23 years at Daytona State College in a variety of faculty and administrative roles. During Dr. Mojock’s presidency, then Lake-Sumter Community College experienced rapid growth, including a 79 percent increase in student enrollment. Mojock was a leader dedicated to the student’s best interest and considers the presidency to be an honor and capstone to his career.

Judge Jason Nimeth is a Circuit Judge in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit. Nimeth was appointed by Governor DeSantis and was previously appointed to serve as a Judge on the Lake County Court. He served as an Assistant State Attorney for eight years in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Nimeth received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Barry University. Nimeth fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge S. Sue Robbins.

DeAnna Thomas is the Executive Director of Lake Technical College. She is a native Floridian and has lived in Lake County since 1981. Thomas’ workforce development experience spans almost thirty years, and she is firmly committed to accomplishing Lake Tech’s mission to be an integral component of the economic growth and development in our communities. Thomas’ own education began in career and technical education (CTE) as a dual-enrolled high school student and her success today is a true testament to the opportunities CTE provides for everyone.