Scott Taps New DEP Secretary

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday appointed Hershel Vinyard, director of Jacksonville-based BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, as his new Florida Department of Environmental Protection secretary. Vinyard served as vice president for Jacksonville Atlantic Marine Holding Co. before the company sold its Jacksonville operations to international defense contractor BAE Systems last year. Vinyard, an environmental attorney, serves on the Jacksonville Port Authority’s board, and he is a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Manufactures Association of Florida.