Florida Governor Rick Scott on Friday announced the appointment of Pensacola businessman Jay Patel to the State University System Board of Governors.
Patel is the chief executive officer of real estate development firm LHS Companies and owns and operates several Pensacola-area hotels. A certified hotel administrator, Patel was an initial member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and has served as a regional director for the organization. Patel was previously appointed by Gov. Scott in March 2016 to serve on the University of West Florida Board of Trustees.
Notably, Patel will serve on the Board of Governors alongside his son, UWF student body president Kishane Patel, who serves on the board by virtue of his position as Chairman of the Florida Student Association.
Patel’s term on the Board of Governors will run from October 27, 2017 through January 6, 2019. Patel’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.