Eric "Gabe" Simpson is an experienced and dedicated leader with 2 decades of selfless service in the Florida Department of Corrections and is a candidate for FCCD Secretary 2025-2026.

Gabe has been a member of FCCD since he joined the FDC in 2005 and enjoyed attending training events, community service and fundraisers as a part of Chapter 15 and Chapter 5. Now a proud member of Chapter 2 Gabe has been honored to serve as the Statewide Training Coordinator Chair and Co-Chair since 2021. Whether it is meeting with and recommending vendors, collecting fundraiser donations, or writing training plans Gabe loves serving the members of FCCD and looks forward to many years of service as a lifetime member.

Gabe started in security at Mayo CI as an Officer, promoted to Sergeant in 2010 at Suwannee CI, promoted to Lieutenant at Mayo CI in 2015, and Captain at Taylor CI in 2017. In 2018 Gabe was promoted to Research Training Specialist, in Central Officer in the Bureau of Professional Development and Training and managed the Field Training Officer Program Statewide. He promoted to Statewide Training Manager in 2021, overseeing Curriculum Development. Gabe was promoted to Assistant Bureau Chief in 2022. In 2024 Gabe was given the opportunity to promote to Operations Manager within the Bureau of Intelligence. Concurrent to his promotional path were specialized assignments and achievements to include becoming a CJSTC certified instructor including certifications in Firearms, CPR/First Aid, and Defensive Tactics. Additionally receiving certifications as a Range Master, Munition Instructor, Lock and Key, Arsenal, AXON Master Instructor, as well as Florida Gang Investigator Association Basic and Intermediate Gang Specialist certification.

Gabe received a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art from Chowan University in 1999. Gabe worked as Graphic designer for two fortune 500 companies prior to joining the Department of Corrections. Gabe has a received several awards including the FCCD President’s award in 2023, The Office Comedian Certificate of Recognition, 2022, Artist of the Year, 1999 Chowan University, and the FCCD Louie L. Wainwright award, 2023.

Throughout his career, Gabe has been committed to improving systems and processes to ensure the success of his teams, while his proudest achievement is being a dedicated husband and father. With a strong focus on family, Gabe finds fulfillment in raising four children alongside his supportive spouse. Gabe can be found playing guitar, working on wood craft projects, and enjoying the outdoors with his family in his off time.