Florida is for Veterans, Inc. Names Carbonell Executive Director
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The board of directors of Florida is for Veterans, Inc. today announced its selection of Roberto "Bobby" Carbonell as the corporation's executive director. As executive director, Carbonell will be responsible for the operation and general management of the non-profit organization. His first official day on the job will be Jan. 13.
Florida is for Veterans, Inc. was established by the Florida Legislature in 2014 as part of the Florida GI Bill to serve as an innovative corporation to encourage recently retired or separated military personnel to make Florida their permanent residence. The 501c(3) corporation will reinforce Florida's standing as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation by helping veterans to bring or develop the skills needed by Florida businesses to the state. The board of directors is comprised of nine individuals from across the state.
"Bobby Carbonell brings a unique skill-set and experience that will be crucial to the organization's success," said Lt. Col. Jim Bagby, U.S. Army (Retired), who serves as chairman of the board. "Not only will his understanding of the legislative process and the issues concerning Florida's veterans and service members be of value, but also his background as an entrepreneur and business owner give him another perspective that will help us as we engage with veterans, businesses and stakeholders."
"We are pleased to select Bobby Carbonell as the leader of our full-time team, and we look forward to seeing the organization grow and thrive as a result," Bagby added.
In his new role, Carbonell will report directly to the board of directors.
"I am thrilled and humbled by the opportunity to serve the veterans' community in this new capacity," said Carbonell. "Florida is a great state to live, work and raise a family, and it is exciting to be a part of this new initiative created by Florida lawmakers in the Florida GI Bill."
Florida is for Veterans held the first of two strategic planning workshops on Jan. 12. The next strategic planning meeting is scheduled for Jan. 26. All board meetings are open to the public to attend.
About Roberto "Bobby" Carbonell
Bobby Carbonell is a first lieutenant in the Florida Air National Guard. Currently, he serves as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in 125th Fighter Wing, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. He has been a member of the Florida Air Guard since 2010, and previously he was a member of the Florida Army National Guard from 2000-2010. Career highlights include a tour in Iraq in 2003-2004 and selection as 83rd Troop Command's Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2010. In addition to his military service, Carbonell was the Legislative and Cabinet Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs since June 2013. He also served as Deputy Legislative Director for the Florida Department of Military Affairs for five years. Carbonell co-owns a small business in Tallahassee with his brother. He graduated from Florida State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs.