PRESS RELEASE: JANUARY 8, 2025

Gov. DeSantis appoints four to SJR State Board

Nick Primrose

Tammy “Chereese” Stewart

Cyrus Zomorodian

St. Johns River State College welcomes its newest members of the District Board of Trustees. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Nick Primrose, Tammy “Chereese” Stewart, and Cyrus Zomorodian and the reappointment of Willard “Jud” Sapp Jr.

SJR State President Joe Pickens said the College welcomes its newest representatives and honors the service of its outgoing and former Trustees. "We are honored to welcome these dedicated and talented individuals to our Board," Pickens said. "Their impressive backgrounds, professional successes and community connections will be a positive contribution to our students, the College and its future growth."

Nick Primrose, of St. Johns County, is the Chief of Regulatory Compliance of the Jacksonville Port Authority. He previously served as the General Counsel for the Florida Division of Emergency Management and a Deputy General Counsel for the Executive Office of the Governor. He currently serves on the SelectFlorida Board of Directors and previously served as the Chair of the Florida Elections Commission. Primrose earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Lake Forest College, his master’s degree in public management from DePaul University, and his juris doctor from Barry University. He was appointed to serve January 3, 2025 – May 31, 2025.

Tammy “Chereese” Stewart, of Clay County, is the Assistant County Manager for the Clay County Board of County Commissioners. She was previously elected as a Clay County Commissioner and currently serves as a member of the Clay County Development Authority, the Clay County Cattlemen Association, the Clay County Farm Bureau, and the Florida Planning and Zoning Association. Stewart earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of North Florida. Stewart is an alumna from SJR State, where she earned her Associate in Arts degree. She was appointed to serve January 3, 2025 – May 31, 2026.

Cyrus Zomorodian, of St. Johns County, is an Assistant State Attorney in the Fourth Circuit State Attorney’s Office. He previously served as a member of the Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism. Zomorodian earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from American University, his master’s degree in political science from the University of Alabama, and his juris doctor from Samford University. He was appointed to serve January 3, 2025 – May 31, 2027.

Willard “Jud” Sapp Jr., of Clay County, is the owner of W.J. Sapp & Son, Inc. A veteran of the United States Navy, he previously served as a member of the St. Johns County Day School Board of Trustees. Sapp earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Florida State University. He was reappointed to serve January 3, 2025 – May 31, 2026.

Currently serving on the District Board of Trustees is Chairman Rich Komando, J.D. and Wendell Davis.

St. Johns River State College operates full-service campuses in Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.

St. Johns River State College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of St. Johns River State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).