published: Sunday, February 10, 2013

Benton appointed to national board

Special to the News-Sun

TALLAHASSEE - Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton, president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, has been appointed to the National Sheriffs' Association Board of Directors. Benton was one of three sheriffs sworn in during the NSA winter conference board meeting on Feb. 2 in Washington, DC.

She joins Beckham County, Okla. Sheriff Scott Jay and Brazos County, Texas Sheriff Christopher Kirk as the newest members of the NSA board.

"We are extremely proud to have Sheriff Benton represent Florida's Sheriffs at the national level," said FSA Executive Director Steve Casey. "The National Sheriffs' Association is a highly respected organization which elevates issues of public safety to Congress and national forums. We are honored that Florida will continue to have a voice at the national level."

Benton brings with her nearly 40 years of experience, eight serving as Highlands County sheriff. Part of her extensive experience comes from advanced and specialized training in courses from the National Sheriffs Institute and the F.B.I's Enforcement Executive Development Training program.

She has a highly successful tenure as a leader and has earned multiple honors and awards.

Benton has served as chair for the FSA Board of Directors in addition to holding the positions of treasurer, secretary, vice president and is currently serving a one-year term as FSA president.