WASHINGTON – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Zack Smith, a senior legal fellow and manager of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Program at The Heritage Foundation, to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees.

At Heritage, Smith focuses on crime, courts, and the Constitution. He also has written on the harms caused by diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in certain educational settings.  

Smith previously served for several years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Florida. Prior to that, he spent two years as an associate in the D.C. office of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, which he joined after clerking for the Hon. Emmet R. Cox on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.   

“I’m honored by the opportunity provided by Governor DeSantis to serve on the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees,” Smith said. "I look forward to serving and helping to make sure that students receive a quality education.” 

John Malcolm, vice president of Heritage's Institute for Constitutional Government and director of the Meese Center and Simon Center, made the following statement: 

“Governor DeSantis made an outstanding selection.  Zack is thorough and thoughtful and will, as he always does, provide bold leadership that will benefit the Pensacola State College District and the residents of Florida.”