The Board


The Board of Hearing Aid Specialists consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Five members of the board must be hearing aid specialists who have been licensed and practicing the dispensing of prescription hearing aids in the state for at least the preceding 4 years. The remaining four members, none of whom shall derive economic benefit from the fitting or dispensing of hearing aids, shall be appointed from the resident lay public of this state. One of the lay members shall be a prescription hearing aid user but may neither be nor have been a hearing aid specialist or a licensee of a closely related profession. One lay member shall be an individual age 65 or over. One lay member shall be an otolaryngologist licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459.

Are you a current or new board member? Helpful resources and information pertinent to your position are available on the new Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) board member website.

If you are interested in becoming a board member, the site contains material that provides insight into the duties and responsibilities of the role. To view the site, please visit flhealthsource.gov/board-members.

Members of the Board

Leanne E. Polhill Profile Picture
Leanne E. Polhill
H.A.S.
Chair
Port Orange
Term Ends:
10/31/2024
Read More →
Randy Ellsworth Profile Picture
Randy Ellsworth
H.A.S.
Vice-Chair
Clermont
Term Ends:
10/31/2024
Read More →
Pamela Dechmerowski Profile Picture
Pamela Dechmerowski
H.A.S.
Orlando
Term Ends:
10/31/2026
Read More →
Dean Easterwood Profile Picture
Dean Easterwood
H.A.S.
Milton
Term Ends:
10/31/2024
Read More →
Jacob Mahan Profile Picture
Jacob Mahan
H.A.S., NBC-HIS
Fleming Island
Term Ends:
10/31/2026
Read More →
Brian Gibson Profile Picture
Brian Gibson
M.D.
Panama City Beach
Term Ends:
10/31/2025
Read More →
Thomas Hollern Profile Picture
Thomas Hollern
Consumer
Tallahassee
Term Ends:
10/31/2021
Read More →
Jeremy Bennett Profile Picture
Jeremy Bennett
Consumer
Panama City Beach
Term Ends:
10/31/2025
Read More →
Photo Coming Soon

After the expiration of their term, board members can continue to serve until they have been replaced, reappointed, or resign.



Organizational Structure of the Board

The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance serves as the principle administrative support unit for the board. The board is supported by a full-time professional staff based in Tallahassee, and its regulatory functions are funded in full by fees paid by its licensees. Board members are appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate. All board members serve four-year terms. To learn more about becoming a member of the board, visit the Governor’s Appointments Office website or email appointments@eog.myflorida.com.

Board Staff

Open/Close to Read
Legal Counsel

Allison Dudley
Senior Assistant Attorney General
(850) 414-3300
Allison.Dudley@myfloridalegal.com