Introduction
The Governor’s Faith and Community Initiative was boldly launched in August 2019 to support those on the front lines of serving vulnerable Floridians—the faith and community organizations of our state. The Initiative also stands as the voice of the Governor to faith and community organizations, as well as a voice for those groups to the Governor. Faith and community organizations are our state’s greatest force for good, and it is our desire that the vulnerable people of Florida are better served because of those organizations.Secretary Michelle Branham
Secretary Michelle Branham was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as the agency head for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in December 2021. Under Secretary Branham’s leadership, the department serves Florida’s nearly 6.5 million seniors over the age of 60, providing services and supporting initiatives through Florida’s Aging Network to help seniors live well and age well in the state.
Secretary Branham brings more than 20 years of experience in public policy, public health, and public relations, including more than a decade of senior executive experience in federal and state-level policy initiatives related to healthcare and aging. Prior to her appointment, she served for nine years as Vice President of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association.
She has served in several state and national leadership roles related to aging and Alzheimer’s policy, including Chair of Florida’s Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee and Advisory Member for the State Plan on Aging Task Force. She also co-chaired the State Health Improvement Plan Alzheimer’s priority area and served on the Governor’s Safe and Limited Return Task Force during the public health emergency. In 2026, she was appointed Chair of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, she sits on the Florida Health Innovation Council, lending her expertise to advance innovative health initiatives across the state. Secretary Branham also serves as liaison to the Governor’s Faith and Community Office and was appointed in 2026 to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political sciences from Stetson University and a master’s degree in theological studies from Emory University Candler School of Theology.
Objectives
The Governor’s Faith & Community Initiative was created with 3 primary objectives:
20,000 Faith Institutions
From the panhandle to the keys, ecumenical and interfaith connections reach into every corner of the state.
110,000+ Nonprofits
On the ground and in the community, Florida’s nonprofits are on the front lines serving everyone from single mothers and children in need to veterans and the elderly.
16.9 Million Floridians Identify as Faith-Based
Faith-based Floridians make up 72% of Florida’s 23.4 million citizens, making them the largest people group in the state.
A Statement from the Governor
"Florida’s faith and community based groups have a long-standing history of intervening to help meet the needs of all Floridians and for that, we are forever grateful."- Governor Ron DeSantis
Our Partners Section
Our Partners
