OSD'S ALSTON ELECTED 2009 VICE CHAIR OF FLORIDA'S COUNCIL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: CATHY SCHROEDER (850) 921-5266

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2009

OSD'S ALSTON ELECTED 2009 VICE CHAIR OF FLORIDA'S COUNCIL

ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS

~ Council is a leader in improving opportunities for Florida's black men and boys ~

TALLAHASSEE- Torey L. Alston, executive director of the Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) in the Department of Management Services (DMS), was elected Vice Chair of the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (Council) last week. In 2008 Alston chaired the Council's Committee on Improving Economic Outcomes and served on the Council's Committee on Legislative Review.

"Torey's energy and leadership experience bring unique perspective to the Council that enhances our work," said Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Plantation. "It is critical for our state and particularly for Florida's black men and boys, that this Council achieve the intent of the legislature and as vice chair, Torey will help us execute effective strategies."

The Florida Legislature created the Council during its 2006 session to alleviate and correct the underlying conditions that affect black men and boys in Florida. The Council promotes the values of learning, family, prosperity, unity and self-worth that can lead to productivity, success and excellence for all black men and boys.

"The Department of Management Services recognized Torey as a strong voice for Florida's minorities when he joined our team as a fellow under Governor Bush, and his work each year advances our support of minority business enterprises statewide," said DMS Secretary Linda H. South. "As a leader on the Council, Torey expands our outreach and identifies additional ways we can serve Florida's minority business enterprises and at the same time further the success of Florida's black men and boys."

OSD, the state's advocate for minority business enterprises, improves business and economic opportunities for Florida's minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses through certification, advocacy, outreach and MatchMaking. In fiscal year 2007-08, total spending with minority business enterprises was nearly $3 billion.

"The Office of Supplier Diversity supports business development for minority business enterprises, and as a leader on the Council, I help connect black men and boys to opportunities to achieve productivity and success," said Alston. "Together we identify ways to support black business growth that ultimately improve the economic well-being and employment of black males."

Alston, a native of Fort Lauderdale, was a Gubernatorial Fellow under both Governor Crist and former Governor Bush. He completed his MBA degree during that same time. Before serving as a Gubernatorial Fellow, he was in the Communications Department in the Executive Office of the Governor.

For more information about OSD, visit www.osd.dms.state.fl.us or call (850) 487-0915. More information about the Council is available online at www.cssbmb.com

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