Governor Jeb Bush has announced the appointment of Sue McCourt Cobb as Secretary of the Florida Department of State. She replaces Glenda Hood who left to pursue other opportunities.

Cobb has a distinguished career in public service and the private sector. Most recently, she served as United States Ambassador to Jamaica from 2001 to 2005. As Ambassador, she was a passionate advocate for our country while working to build strong relations between the United States and Jamaica.

Prior to being named Ambassador, Cobb had an extensive legal, business and public service career, including serving as interim Secretary of the Florida Lottery in 1999. Her public sector experience also includes three terms as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank in Miami and participation in numerous non-profit organizations. In the private sector, Cobb led several successful Florida corporations and law firms.

Cobb was born in Los Angeles and moved to Florida in 1972. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her Juris Doctor from University of Miami. Cobb has been admitted to the Bar Associations of the United States Supreme Court, State of Florida, State of Colorado and District of Columbia. She will begin her new role as Secretary of the Department of State on January 3, 2006.