Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces new leadership team for Florida’s Office of Agricultural Water Policy

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced a new leadership team for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy, naming Jessica Ferris as the office’s new director and Megan Seward as assistant director.

The announcement, made in Tallahassee, confirms Ferris as the permanent leader of the office after she previously served as interim director. State officials said the leadership changes are aimed at continuing the office’s work on protecting Florida’s water resources while supporting the state’s agricultural industry.

Commissioner Simpson said both leaders bring significant experience in agriculture, environmental policy, natural resources and government operations. He said their knowledge will help the office continue developing programs that support farmers and protect the state’s water supply.

“Jessica Ferris and Megan Seward are proven public servants with extensive experience in agriculture, natural resources, environmental policy and government operations, and I know they will build on the historic successes of our Office of Agricultural Water Policy,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Florida’s farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, and protecting our water resources while maintaining a strong domestic food supply requires practical, science-based, forward-thinking leadership from our Office of Agricultural Water Policy – and that’s exactly what Jessica Ferris and Megan Seward bring to the team.”

Ferris has held several leadership positions within FDACS and most recently served as staff director for the Office of Agricultural Water Policy. During that time, she helped oversee statewide efforts focused on agriculture, water quality improvements and conservation initiatives.

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Among her responsibilities, Ferris provided leadership for agricultural and water quality programs throughout Florida. She also helped develop and implement the new Agricultural Regional Projects Program, an initiative focused on strengthening regional approaches to agricultural conservation efforts.

In addition, Ferris led strategic planning efforts designed to improve the office’s operations and increase its long-term effectiveness. Her background includes both academic and professional training in public administration, project management and natural resources.

Ferris earned a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Florida Certified Contract Manager and a graduate of the University of Florida’s Natural Resources Leadership Institute.

Seward will continue in her role as assistant director, where she manages several important areas within the Office of Agricultural Water Policy. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Policy, Planning and Coordination Bureau, along with the office’s Budget Section and Contracts Section.

She will continue helping lead programs involving agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs), BMP cost-share initiatives, water quality planning, rulemaking, legislative analysis, budgeting, procurement and strategic operations.

Before joining FDACS, Seward served in leadership positions with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the Northwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. State officials said her experience in environmental management and government operations will continue to support the office’s mission.

The Office of Agricultural Water Policy works with a wide range of partners across Florida, including agricultural producers, commodity organizations, water management districts, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, UF/IFAS and other groups. Together, these organizations develop and implement agricultural Best Management Practices designed to protect water quality and conserve resources.

Agricultural BMPs are practical and cost-effective steps that farmers and producers can take to reduce the amount of fertilizers, pesticides, animal waste and other pollutants that may enter Florida’s waterways. These voluntary, science-based programs are designed to help producers maintain productivity while improving environmental protection.

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Through these efforts, the office supports Florida’s agricultural industry while working to ensure that the state’s water resources remain protected for future generations. Officials said the continued focus on science-based conservation will help balance the needs of farmers with the importance of maintaining clean and reliable water supplies.

More information about Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is available through FDACS.gov.