Why did Gov. Rick Scott appoint Kimberly Kisslan to the Broward Health governing board even though she apparently played some role in a corruption case in 2007? Broward Bulldogis reporting on several clues.
The online investigative news website reports that for one thing, the case Kisslan was questioned on was that of former Sheriff Ken Jenne, who is an old friend of Scott's and became wealthy with Scott's help. Kisslan had been a legal advisor to Jenne during events for which he was convicted of corruption.
Another coincidence: Carrie O'Rourke, Scott's director of external affairs, who manages appointments, used to work for Edify LLC, a health consulting firm that employed Jenne after he got out of prison. She also worked closely on appointments to Scott's health policy transition team with William D. Rubin, another old friend of Scott's.
Rubin had served on the same corporate board as Scott and Jenne, the Bulldog reports. He now is a Tallahassee lobbyist for HCA Healthcare, the successor company to the one that Scott led as CEO, Columbia/HCA. Scott resigned in 1997 amid a Medicare investigation but was never charged.
The Bulldog said that either Jenne or Rubin may have recommended Kisslan for the post, but none of those involved would agree to an interview and there is no written evidence.
Kisslan resigned the post last month, two days after Bulldog reported that she had been questioned by the grand jury in the Jenne case.