Dana Glenn Brady-Giddens

District 2- Chairperson

P.O. Box 760, Fort White, FL 32038

(386) 249-2761

Elected 2012 - Term Expires 2020

Email:  bradyd@columbiak12.com

 Dana Brady-Giddens (District 2) was elected to the Columbia County School Board in 2012.  She resides in Fort White with her husband, Andy Giddens, and their five children: Bryson, Grace, Avery, Garrett and Ashton.  Dana graduated from Columbia High School and Lake City Community College before pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University.  She also received her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, College of Law.  Dana is currently the Chief Assistant State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.   She is active in many organizations which support youth activities in Columbia County as well as youth programs in her church.

Stephanie K. Finnell

District 5

372 W Duval Street, Lake City, FL 32055

(386) 623-3301

Elected 2012 - Term Expires 2022

Email  finnells@columbiak12.com

 Stephanie K. Finnell (District 5) was elected to the Columbia County School Board in 2012. She has one son, Garrett who attends public school in the Columbia County School District and is involved in many extracurricular activities. Ms. Finnell feels it is imperative to be an advocate for our children, parents, teachers and staff in order to provide an excellent educational experience to each student. She is excited and proud that the residents of Columbia County have given her the opportunity to represent District 5 and the county as a whole.

 Ms. Finnell is a graduate of Hamilton County High School class of 1990.

She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Valdosta State University, a Master of Science Degree from University of Phoenix and a Post Master Degree as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, in Family Practice from The University of Florida. She has worked for Florida Gateway College in the past as an instructor and advisor in the Registered Nursing program.  Ms. Finnell continues to mentor students from surrounding universities who aspire to become Nurse Practitioners.  She currently practices as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner at Lake City Medical Group and Company Care and is a member of several state and national organizations. Ms. Finnell is very active and supports many of the youth activities in the county.

Keith Hudson

District 4

198 NE Ruskin Way  - Lake City, Florida 32055

(386) 758-0057 - FAX (386) 758-0066

Elected 1976 - Term Expires 2020

KEITH HUDSON (District 4) was elected to the Columbia County School Board in 1976 and is currently the longest serving school board member in the state of Florida.  Mr. Hudson feels very fortunate to hold this designation and is thankful that the citizens of Columbia County have so much confidence in his leadership.  Mr. Hudson is a lifelong resident of Columbia County and received his education in the Columbia County School System.  He attended Melrose Park Elementary School and graduated from Columbia High School in 1968.  Both of his sons also attended and graduated from Columbia High School.  Mr. Hudson received an AA degree from Lake City Community College.   He owns and operates two businesses in Columbia County: Keith Hudson Fiberglass and Hudson Discount Marine.  Mr. Hudson supports many youth activities in Columbia County.

Mr. Hudson’s motto:

 BELIEVES THAT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM SHOULD ALWAYS MEET THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EACH STUDENT, WHETHER IT IS ACADEMIC, VOCATIONAL OR SPECIAL.

Steve Nelson

District 3- Vice Chairperson

246 NW Secluded Glen - Lake City, Florida 32055

(386) 758-3294 - FAX (386) 719-7788

Elected 2002 -  Term Expires 2022

Email:   nelsons@columbiak12.com

Steven "Steve" Nelson was elected to the Columbia County School Board in 2002.  Mr. Nelson is a lifelong resident of Columbia County where he currently lives with his wife Tassie, and three children Lauren, Brant and Breah. He and his wife both graduated from Columbia High School.  He graduated from Lake City Community College and attended the University of Florida before completing his bachelors' degree in Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University.  He has recently completed a Masters in Business Administration degree through St. Leo University.  He is a licensed physical therapist and is employed by Lake City Medical Center, where he is the Director of Rehabilitation Services and Marketing.  He is active in many local, state, and national organizations including Kiwanis, and the American Physical Therapy Association.