Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints Daytona entrepreneur Forough Hosseini & Tampa-area Judge Jessica Costello to Florida Children and Youth Cabinet

Photos for Headline Surfer / Forough Hosseini and Jessica Costello, shown above (left to right), are new appointees to the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Daytona Bach-area entrepreneur Forough Hosseini and Tampa-area Judge Jessica Costello to the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

DeSantis said he was confident the two women "will faithfully serve our state’s youth to the best of their ability, adding Florida's children are "our greatest resource and I look forward to the contributions these appointees will bring to the Cabinet under the First Lady’s leadership.”

Casey DeSantis, the governor's wife, said she, too, welcomes "these wonderful women and cannot wait to discuss new ideas with them on how to serve and create a meaningful impact for the future of our children and families.

The First Lady also praised Florida Chief Justice Charles Canady for his appointment of Justice Robert Luck to the Cabinet, adding she is ready to work with Luck, Costello and Hosseini   

to "ensure the children of Florida continue to lead safe, healthy and happy lives.”

As to the newest appointees, Jessica Costello, of Tampa, was appointed to a county judgeship in the 13th Judicial Circuit earlier this year by the governor. 

The former five-year prosecutor was a member of both the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators for two years. Additionally, she has been an active volunteer with Academy Prep Center of Tampa since 2011 and the John G. Germany’s Read to Dream organization since 2016.

Costello, 34, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her juris doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law. 

Forough Hosseini, a resident of Ormond Beach, is executive vice president for ICI Homes, the luxury homes construction company in Daytona Beach headed by her husband, Mori Hosseini.

She is the founder and chair of Food Brings Hope, which provides assistance for homeless and economically disadvantaged students. She also was instrumental in establishing a shelter for homeless families and unaccompanied youth at a former elementary school in Daytona.  

Hosseini, 56, who earned  her bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and her master’s degree from the University of Central Florida, announced in May she plans to step down in August from the Daytona State College Board of Trustees after 13 years of service there, half her tenure in the leadership role of chair. Her successor as.chair is expected to be named when the DSC trustees meet again in August. 

Stanley Escudero, vice chair of the DSC board, was highly complimentary of Hosseini, saying she will be a strong advocate in her new appointment by the governor. "Forough Hosseini is devoted to the well being of children and their education," Escudero said. "She will do a splendid job." 

Stan Escudero / Headline SurferStanley Escudero, vice chair of the DSC board, was highly complimentary of Hosseini, saying she will be a strong advocate in her new appointment by the governor.

"Forough Hosseini is devoted to the well being of children and their education," Escudero said. "She will do a splendid job." 

Forough Hosseini, Daytona Beach advocate for children / Headline Surfer Infographic

The governor's appointments of Forough Hosseini and Jessica Costello to the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet are for four-year terms and subject to approval of the Florida Senate.