Board Members and Staff

BOARD MEMBERS

LT. Eddie Henderson (Ret)
Chairman
Appointed by: Sheriff’s employees
REAPPOINTED: October 2008 - October 2010
A native Pensacolian, Lt. Henderson retired from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office after 22 years of distinguished service as a Corrections Officer. Lt. Henderson’s work history in Escambia County began in 1974 as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher and Emergency Medical Technician. He is a graduate of Pensacola Catholic High School (Class of 1969); a 1977 graduate of Pensacola Junior College, with an Associate Science Degree in Law Enforcement; and a 1980 graduate of the Corrections Academy #10.

Dr. Ulysses Hughes
Vice Chairman
Appointed by: MSPB members
REAPPOINTED: November 2008 - November 2010
Dr. Hughes is the selection of the four appointed members of the Merit System Protection Board. Dr. Hughes possesses a wealth of professional and educational credentials that makes him an asset in completing the five-member board. Dr. Hughes retired from the School District of Escambia County after over 30 years of illustrious service. Dr. Hughes began his career with the School Board as a classroom teacher; promoted to elementary school principal; advanced to administrative assistant to deputy superintendent; then concluded his service as Assistant Superintendent for four administrations (J.E. Hall, Charlie Stokes, Mike Holloway and Pete Payton). Dr. Hughes' love for education extends to adjunct instruction for the University of West Florida; Florida A & M University; and Pensacola Junior College. Presently, Dr. Hughes extends his knowledge, skills and professional abilities as Principal of the Dr. Ruby J Gainer High School, a charter school endorsed by the State of Florida and Escambia County School Board.

 

Captain James Morris (Retired)

Appointed by: Sheriff David Morgan
TERM: October 2009 - September 2011

Retired Captain Morris is a native of Pensacola.  After serving and being honorably discharged from the United States Navy, he joined the Escambia County Sheriff's Office as a detention officer. He worked his way through the ranks, becoming a captain with the charge of administration for the Central Booking and Detention Facility for the Sheriff’s Correctional Operation. Captain Morris brings to the board a wealth of leadership, supervisory, and a professional understanding for the merits and principles of fairness, equality and justice.  He is credited in successfully leading the Transition Team in the transformation of the old University Hospital to a state of the arts correctional facility as stands today as the Sheriff’s Central Booking Detention.  He is accredited through the Florida’s Criminal Justice Standards and Training Division.  He retired from the Sheriff’s Office as Captain in 2007 after over 20 years of distinguished service.

Mrs. Brenda Overton

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners
TERM: October 2009 - September 2011

A native of Birmingham, Mrs. Overton is retired from Gulf Power/Southern Company after 30 years of services.  She possesses a wealth of professional knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience in the occupational field of human resources as a member of the professional staff of Gulf Power, Human Resources Department.  Mrs. Overton began her career in the State of Alabama prior to relocating to Pensacola. She is enjoying retirement with her husband of over 30 years and as a proud grandmother. She desires to be a valued asset to her community and merit the principles that provide equality, fairness and justice.

 

Miss Shirley M. Terrell
Appointed by: BCC employees

TERM: October 2008 - September 2010
Shirley M. Terrell possesses a variety of experience in the public and private sector. She is currently matriculating an associate's degree in the occupational field of legal assistant, with an expected graduation date of spring 2009. She logs numerous volunteer hours within the district school system, state and local community resources, including Health Services and the Angel Food Ministries through the Richards United Methodist Church. She is currently the president of the Warrington Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and is supportive of the school's health program.

 

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

V. Keith Wells, Esq - Attorney
V. Keith Wells is the previous Legal Counsel for the Civil Service Board, Escambia County, Florida. Since 1994, Keith represented the Civil Service Board in all legal matters; served as hearing officer in all disciplinary and grievance hearings held before the Board; provided mediation and resolution of personnel issues for the ratification of the Board; and prosecuted investigatory hearings as initiated by the Board in accordance with the highest degree of ethics of the legal professional and all federal, state and municipal laws, regulations, ordinance regulating the practice of law.

V. Keith Wells holds a Juris Doctorate and is a respected member in good standing with the Florida Bar Association. For the past 22 years, he has served the Pensacola and surrounding area in private practice, specializing in civil trial work, social security disability, and adoptions. The Florida Supreme Court – Dispute Resolution has certified him as a Mediator with an outstanding case record for the past 14 years. Keith’s civic and community involvement and the legal pro bono work are extensive and extraordinary. Presently, he serves as legal counsel to Olive Baptist Church and confidant to the Pastor, Leaders and Administration of the Ministry.