U.S. President George W. Bush has announced that he intends to appoint Florida real estate broker John D. Rood as the new ambassador to the Bahamas during the congressional recess.
By making the appointments during the congressional recess, Mr. Bush will avoid the need for Senate confirmation.
The U.S. president also intends to make 19 other appointments during this period.
The president nominated Mr. Rood on May 6 for the appointment.
Mr. Rood, the current chairman of the Vestcor Group of Companies, started the enterprise in 1983 which develops multi family rental and condominium communities.
It has expanded into broader real estate development, construction and management services.
The entrepreneur is a licensed Florida real estate broker, mortgage broker and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from the University of Montana.
The announcement from the White House earlier this year that Mr. Rood was choice for the post, was the first talk of a successor to the last Ambassador whose time here was marked by controversy, diplomatic flap and criticisms.
Mr. Rood has held various positions in key Florida organizations like the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Housing Authority.
He was also a founding member of the First Coast Family and Housing Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization that owns and develops affordable housing.
Credited as an enterprising American, Mr. Rood is said to have used his expertise to expand his firm to include real estate investments, development of construction and property management services.
The Bahama Journal
