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JU Public Policy Institute selects Richard Sisisky as first chair

The board of advisors for the JU Public Policy Institute announced it has selected Richard Sisisky, president and CEO of management consulting firm The Shircliff & Sisisky Co., as its first chair.

“Richard Sisisky is an extraordinary community and business leader, and we are very fortunate to have him as the Institute’s inaugural chairman,” said JU PPI Director Rick Mullaney.

The Institute also announced it has named C. Daniel Rice, president and CEO of Mayport Venture Partners LLC, as vice chair; and Nina Waters, president of The Community Foundation in Jacksonville, as secretary/treasurer.

“We are extremely grateful to have all three of these community leaders volunteer their time to help steer the direction and continued growth of this institute, which is offering the first Master in Public Policy (MPP) degree in Florida,” Mullaney said.

The Institute, founded in 2012, is now accepting applications for Fall 2013. It is also offering the first MPP-JD (juris doctor), MPP-MBA (master in business administration) and MPP/MA-MS/MSC (marine science) joint degree programs in the state. The MPP-JD is being offered in conjunction with Florida Coastal School of Law.

Sisisky brings a wealth of experience to the Institute. He served as the city’s first chairman of the Children’s Commission, currently is lead director of Stein Mart Inc., and has held leadership positions in many not-for-profit organizations, including Baptist Health System, Jacksonville Children’s Commission, The Bolles School, Jewish Federation of Northeast Florida and United Way.

“The Institute will play an important role in preparing students to be leaders in the public, private and non-profits sectors and will become the central address for public policy issues facing the region,” Sisisky said. “This is an extraordinary Institute and board, and I am honored to serve as chair.”
Mullaney applauded all the officer selections made.

“These new officers bring a wealth of experience from business, health care, nonprofits, the civic outreach arena and more,” Mullaney said. “We look forward to their guidance as the JU PPI begins to shape its first cohort of students, with applications now being accepted for Fall 2013.”

Officer Biographies

Richard L. Sisisky is President and CEO of The Shircliff & Sisisky Co., a management-consulting firm based in Jacksonville. His company has had consulting agreements with more than 200 clients, primarily franchised bottlers of Pepsi-Cola products in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Middle East. Mr. Sisisky currently serves as Lead Director of Stein Mart Inc. and has held leadership positions in many not-for-profit organizations including Baptist Health System, Jacksonville Children’s Commission, The Bolles School, Jewish Federation of Northeast Florida and United Way. Mr. Sisisky earned his bachelor’s degree from The College of William and Mary and a law degree from the University of Richmond.

C. Daniel Rice has served as President and CEO of Mayport Venture Partners LLC since its founding in 2000. Mr. Rice currently serves on the board of directors of American Pet Resort Inc. and has been an adviser to other portfolio companies on issues such as strategic partnerships, fundraising, business plan development, operational issues and restructuring. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Saint Vincent’s Healthcare System. Mr. Rice received his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and an MBA and law degree from the University of Florida.

Nina Waters is the President of The Community Foundation in Jacksonville. Ms. Waters was promoted to this position in January 2005 after serving as Executive Vice President for three years. Her primary responsibilities include the leadership and management of donor services, grant making and administrative services functions of the Foundation. Prior to joining the staff of the Foundation, Ms. Waters served as Executive Director for the PACE Center for Girls Jacksonville program for twelve years. Ms. Waters was the recipient of the JU Distinguished Alumni Award, Scouts Women of Distinction Award, and is chairman-elect of the Southeastern Council of Foundations. Ms. Waters earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Jacksonville University.

To learn more about the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute or to apply, visit www.ju.edu/ppi or e-mail ppi@ju.edu.