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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner LLP partner Michael Okaty to the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. The board oversees the operation and management of the Florida public university system’s 12 institutions. Okaty and five other announced appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate for a term of seven years.

“Mike’s appointment underscores his impressive leadership skills and dedication to his community,” said Daljit Doogal, �鶹ֱ�� chairman and CEO. “With five offices across the state, Florida continues to be a longstanding, important region to the firm. I’m proud that Mike will be able to share his extensive experience and commitment to service and contribute to the ongoing excellence of the State University System of Florida.”

Okaty previously served as vice chair of the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees for a term ending January 2025. Other �鶹ֱ�� attorneys appointed to roles within the State University System of Florida include Tampa partner Fred Ridley, currently serving on the Board of Trustees of the University of Florida, and Jacksonville partner Kevin Hyde who was on the Board of Trustees of the University of North Florida, serving as chair from February 2018 to December 2025.

Okaty sits in �鶹ֱ��’s Orlando office. He has experience in a wide variety of corporate law matters, including corporate formation, governance, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity and venture capital matters. He is co-chair of �鶹ֱ��’s Transactions Practice Group and a member of the firm’s Finance Committee and Federal PAC Board. Formerly, he served as a member of the firm’s Management Committee, as vice chair of the Industry Teams Department and as managing partner for the Orlando office. He is founder and former chair of the firm’s Senior Living Industry Team. Okaty is also a former member of both the Western U Board of Trustees and New York University Alumni Association Board.

About �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner LLP

�鶹ֱ�� & Lardner LLP is a preeminent law firm that stands at the nexus of the Energy & Infrastructure, Health Care & Life Sciences, Innovative Technology, and Manufacturing �鶹ֱ��.  We look beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and act as trusted business advisors to deliver creative, practical, and effective solutions. Our 1,100 lawyers across 27 offices worldwide partner on the full range of engagements from corporate counsel to IP work and litigation support, providing our clients with a one-team solution to all their needs. For nearly two centuries, �鶹ֱ�� has maintained its commitment to the highest level of innovative legal services and to the stewardship of our people, firm, clients, and the communities we serve.