Florida State University (FSU) football legend Corey Simon is the governor’s top pick to lead Volunteer Florida.

Florida Governor Ron DeSaRntis said, “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Corey Simon to lead our state’s community service efforts as CEO of Volunteer Florida. He’s been a leader on the football field and in the community and I look forward to the agency’s continued success under his leadership.”

DeSantis recruited Simon to fill the CEO spot at Volunteer Florida after Simon’s former Seminole teammate, Clay Ingram, resigned to take a position as FSU’s chief legislative affairs officer.

Both Ingram and Simon were members of the FSU 1999 BCS National Championship team.

DeSantis joked with Simon, “ Who would’ve thunk in the late ‘90s, when you guys were playing football, you would’ve succeeded one of your teammates, leading an organization like this?”

Simon said he was “humbled” to be chosen for “this exciting challenge to give back.”

He told the Governor, “I’m ready to get to work.”

His contributions to FSU’s national championship team led Simon to be named an All-American and his sixth round draft to join the Philadelphia Eagles.Following his successful NFL career, Simon shifted his focus to philanthropic work and started Corey’s Kids, an organization which focused on mentoring children in North Florida’s foster care system. He has also partnered with Big Bend Community Based Care for mentoring and coached high school football at Maclay School while being actively involved with Engage Church in Tallahassee. Simon earned his bachelor’s degree in information studies from Florida State University.

The Governor announced Simon’s appointment by video.