House Speaker Chris Sprowls announced that he has appointed State Representative Spencer Roach to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council (DPAC).

Roach, who represents House District 79, will join the body — composed of elected officials and members of the public — to help coordinate drug control efforts and implement plans to better educate the public on substance abuse and the resources available.

Sprowls made the announcement on Tuesday, pointing to Roach’s qualifications and experience serving as counter-narcotics officer in the U.S Coast Guard.

“Representative Roach’s experience as a counter-narcotics officer and service in the United States Coast Guard will make him a valuable addition to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council,” said Sprowls in a press release. “I am confident Representative Roach will bring effective solutions for Florida’s families and victims of drug addiction, and I am proud to appoint him to this Council.

Today, I appointed @SpencerRoachFL to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council. I am confident Representative Roach will bring effective solutions for Florida’s families and victims of drug addiction, and I am proud to appoint him to this Council. pic.twitter.com/Ha8MHQB1NG

— Chris Sprowls (@ChrisSprowls) February 23, 2021

Following the announcement, Roach thanked Sprowls for the appointment and said he looks forward to working with his fellow colleagues to tackle drug-related issues impacting Floridians.

“I am grateful to House Speaker Chris Sprowls for his confidence in me and for this opportunity to serve the citizens of Florida. Drug abuse and addiction have impacts – sometimes direct and sometimes indirect-on each of us,” Roach told The Capitolist. “I look forward to working with the Advisory Council to help address these issues and mitigate the impacts on Florida families.”

Roach, who served 20 years in the Coast Guard before retiring as a JAG officer, is no stranger to helping Floridians tackle drug addiction. Since taking office in 2018, he’s been involved in several bills targeting drug abuse, overcoming addiction, and aiding children in Florida’s foster care system.

DPAC, housed under the Executive Officer of the Governor, was created in 1999 alongside the recently revived Office of Drug Control. The primary purpose of the office is to coordinate drug control efforts; provide information to the public about the problem of substance abuse and services available; and develop a strategic program and funding to coordinate state agency activities relating to drug control.

Other members serving on DPAC include State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran.

Roach’s appointment is effective immediately, with an expiration date of May 20, 2023.