Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee (ADAC) 

About the Committee 

The Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee (ADAC) advises the Florida Department of Elder Affairs on legislative, programmatic, and administrative matters affecting individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers. 

The committee consists of 15 resident members appointed to represent the interests and needs of Floridians affected by ADRD. Of the 15 members, 11 are appointed by the Governor, two by the President of the Florida Senate, and two by the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. 

The committee provides recommendations for the ADAC Annual Report regarding the status of ADRD in Florida and the needs of individuals and families affected by the disease. 

Access the most recent ADAC Annual Report below: 

2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee Annual Report (PDF) 

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative 

In 1985, the Florida Legislature established the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) to provide a statewide research network and continuum of care for individuals living with ADRD and their families. 

As part of the ADI, the Legislature designated regional Memory Disorder Clinics (MDCs) to provide diagnostic services, treatment, research, and training. Today, Florida has 17 Memory Disorder Clinics, with at least one clinic serving each of the state’s Planning and Service Areas (PSAs). 

Committee Responsibilities 

ADAC is responsible for: 

  • Advising the Department on legislative, programmatic, and administrative matters related to ADRD.  
  • Evaluating the needs of individuals living with ADRD and their caregivers.  
  • Providing recommendations for the Department’s ADAC Annual Report. 
  • Making recommendations to support the continued development and improvement of services for individuals and families affected by ADRD.  

Committee Members 

The ADAC is comprised of 15 resident members appointed by the Governor, the President of the Florida Senate, and the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. 

Name:  Position:  Appointment: 
Chair Samantha Ferrin  Senior Government Relations Director, Elevance Health  Appointed by Governor DeSantis 
Dr. Jonathan Weiss  VP, Strategic Innovation, INSIGHTEC  Appointed by Governor DeSantis  
Dr. Corinne Labyak  Associate Professor, University of North Florida  Appointed by Governor DeSantis 
Stacy Plean  Broker Associate, LoKation Real Estate  Appointed by Governor DeSantis 
Senator Gayle Harrell
Assistant: Ann Bolduc 
State Legislator  Appointed by Senate 
Matt Hudson  Vice President of Hope Healthcare and Executive Director Florida PACE Association  Appointed by House 
Audrey Gibson  Former Florida State Senator  Appointed by Senate 
Kevin Whiriry  Director of Government Affairs at MMI  Appointed by Governor DeSantis 
Tyler Jefferson  Vice President of Public Policy, Florida Alzheimer's Association  Appointed by Governor DeSantis 
Mike Sims  Executive Vice President
Far East Brokers and Consultants, Inc. 
Appointed by Governor DeSantis 
Jason Lederman  Client Care Liaison, American In-Home Care  Appointed by Governor DeSantis 

 

Meetings 

The ADAC meets quarterly to discuss issues affecting Floridians living with ADRD and their caregivers. Meetings provide an opportunity for committee members to review programmatic needs, discuss legislative and administrative matters, and develop recommendations for the Department. 

Upcoming Meetings

Time: 

Date: 

Zoom link: 

FAR Notice: 

Past Meetings 

2026 

  • Quarter 1: Tuesday, Feburary 10, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 2: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Working Meeting: Tuesdsay, July 28, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 3: TBD 
  • Quarter 4: TBD 

2025 

  • Quarter 1: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 2: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 3: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 4: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST 

2024 

  • Quarter 1: Tues 
  • day, March 26, 2024, 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 2: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 3: Friday, September 27, 2024, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST 
  • Quarter 4: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST 

Statutory Authority 

The Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee is established under Section 430.501, Florida Statutes, which outlines the committee’s membership, duties, and responsibilities.