OU Alumnus Appointed to Florida Public Service Commission

Ronald Brisé of North Miami, an Oakwood alumnus (Class of ‘99) and Florida State Representative, District 108, has been appointed as one of the Commissioners on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), and the state’s first PSC member of Haitian-American descent. As a Public Service Commissioner, Brisé along with other commissioners will be responsible for the oversight of basic services such as electricity, gas, telecommunications and water and the companies that provide these services to assure that they remain operable and affordable for consumers.

Brisé issued the following statement:  “I am humbled and grateful for this unique opportunity to serve the great people of Florida in this new capacity. I thank Governor Crist and the PSC Nominating Council for doing their due diligence in conducting a fair and thorough review. I applied for this position because I think my combined experience within the telecom industry and the Florida Legislature will allow me to work in a fair manner to the benefit of the public good.”

After graduating from Oakwood College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Education in 1999, Brisé and taught at Miami Union Academy for five years. He then went on to earn two MBA degrees in Marketing and Management from American Intercontinental University. Brisé is a faithful member and an elder of the Tabernacle SDA Church, and is a member of several professional and civic organizations.  He is married to Jo An Solomon Brisé, a registered nurse, and they are proud parents of their son Ronald Brisé II.

Brisé was elected to represent District 108 in the Florida House of Representatives in 2006 at the age of 32 and subsequently re-elected without opposition. He served as Democratic Whip during his first term, 2006-2008, and served as Vice Chair of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators. Brisé’s knowledge of utilities stems from his work at an international telecommunications carrier based in Miami. He also served as the ranking Democratic Member on the Utilities & Telecommunications Committee.

“While I have gained valuable information about our state’s diverse population and unique utility structure in the Legislature, I understand that my role and duties will change drastically – from legislative to regulatory. Regardless, I intend to regulate with the same traits that have helped me to become a well-respected public servant: integrity, sound judgment, and sensitivity to all parties,” Brisé said.

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