DeSantis picks Palm Beach County commissioner for statewide job and appoints replacement

Gov. Ron DeSantis has nominated Palm Beach County Commissioner Dave Kerner to a statewide position and appointed county Republican Party Chairman Michael Barnett to replace him, the governor’s office announced Thursday.

Kerner, current District 3 commissioner and former county mayor, will become the executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. He will be the interim executive director until the nomination is brought before the Florida Cabinet for approval on Jan. 17, DeSantis’ office said in a news release.

DeSantis appointed Barnett to fill Kerner’s position on the county commission.

Barnett and Kerner did not immediately respond to voicemails and text messages seeking comment Thursday night.

On Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Dave Kerner, left, as executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Michael Barnett, chairman of the Palm Beach County Republican Party, was appointed to fill Kerner's vacancy on the Palm Beach County Commission. — On Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Dave Kerner, left, as executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Michael Barnett, chairman of the Palm Beach County Republican Party, was appointed to fill Kerner’s vacancy on the Palm Beach County Commission. (Amy Beth Bennett & Susan Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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