FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2025
The Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Ashley Gibson Barnett and Melissa McKinlay to its Board of Directors by the Senate President. These accomplished leaders bring decades of expertise in public service, law, government affairs, philanthropy, and community engagement—strengthening the Alliance’s mission to prevent human trafficking and support survivors across the state. The Florida Alliance is also pleased to announce former State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff and philanthropist Graci McGillicuddy were reappointed to the Board.
Dr. Ashley Gibson Barnett is a community advocate, legal scholar, philanthropist, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing education, the arts, and civic engagement. She earned her B.S. in Economics from Florida Southern College, as well as her LL.M., J.D., and S.J.D. degrees from Emory University School of Law. Appointed to the Board by the Florida Senate President, she also serves on the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the Florida Southern College Board of Trustees. Her philanthropic leadership extends to organizations such as ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Miss Florida Organization, and the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. Together with her husband, she co-leads the Nicholas and Ashley Barnett Foundation at the GiveWell Community Foundation, which focuses on conservation, education, entrepreneurship, health, and the arts.
“I am honored to join the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking and contribute to the vital work of protecting vulnerable individuals across our state,” said Dr. Barnett. “Human trafficking is a profound injustice, and I look forward to supporting education, advocacy, and community initiatives that bring healing, safety, and empowerment to survivors.”
Melissa McKinlay currently serves as Vice President of Government Relations for WGI, a national multidisciplinary engineering and design consulting firm, where she oversees government outreach and legislative analysis nationwide. A former Palm Beach County Commissioner and Mayor, McKinlay served from 2014 to 2022, earning re-election without opposition. Her career includes two decades of public service in county government, the United States Senate, and Congress. She has also held leadership roles with the Florida Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties, the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, and several statewide judicial and policy advisory boards. McKinlay continues to serve in numerous nonprofit and civic leadership roles, including Leadership Florida, the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and the Junior Leagues of Florida. She is also a Florida Senate President appointee to the Florida Alliance Against Human Trafficking Board of Directors.
“It is a privilege to join the Florida Alliance in this critical work,” said Ms. McKinlay. “Human trafficking affects every community in Florida. We must continue building strong partnerships, raising awareness, and ensuring survivors have the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives. I am committed to advancing that mission.”
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Barnett and Ms. McKinlay—two leaders whose commitment to service and justice aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Erin Collins, Executive Director of the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking.“Their diverse expertise and deep community roots will strengthen our ability to educate, advocate, and protect Florida’s most vulnerable populations.”
About the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking
The Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating communities, empowering survivors, and supporting statewide efforts to prevent and end human trafficking. Through partnerships, training, and public awareness, the Alliance works to create a safer, more informed Florida. Learn more at FloridaAllianceEndHT.com
