Keith Dean Named New FDSA Executive Director
The Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Keith Dean as Executive Director. Keith is replacing A.J. Smith, who, after years of leading the association, has returned to full-time law enforcement as chief deputy with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. The change was approved during the FDSA board meeting in January.
Keith is no stranger to FDSA, having been charged by the Florida Sheriffs Association in 2008 to help establish and manage an association dedicated to serving the unique needs of Florida’s deputies. Keith took that concept and was instrumental in building it into what the FDSA is today, 5,700 members strong with insurance and legal protections that were simply not available before.
“I am very proud of what the FDSA has become and where we are headed,” Keith said. “What started as an idea is now serving thousands of men and women with information, community and peace of mind. I am also very grateful for A.J.’s leadership and commitment to the association. He will continue to be an important resource for me and the FDSA Board.”
Keith has extensive experience in association management, having served as chief financial officer of the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA). While at the fiscal helm of the association, Keith built the financial infrastructure to support FHBA’s explosive growth into the preeminent state association in the country. FHBA’s growth afforded Keith the additional opportunities to serve as CFO of its $77 million insurance programs and General Managing Agency, CEO of its investment real estate holding company, engage in its government relations, establish its foundation and effectively manage its seven political organizations.
In anticipation of the housing decline’s effects on the association, Keith sought new opportunities and was tapped to lead the fiscal operations at the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services and the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Keith has a post-graduate degree in accounting from Florida State University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. He returned to FSU to serve as supervising instructor of political science courses focusing on political organizations. He also serves on the Florida Institute of CPAs’ Legislative Committee and as a resource to legislators and government agencies as an expert in nonprofit subject matter.
Keith welcomes your ideas and input as he considers the association’s next steps. You can reach him at kdean@fldeputysheriffs.org.
