Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Manatee County resident John Colon to the State Board of Education.

Colon is a senior vice president and investment officer with Wells Fargo Advisors. He also served as the chairman of the Sarasota Housing Committee for two years and currently serves as the vice chairman.

Colon ran for Manatee County commissioner in 2012, losing in the Republican primary to Vanessa Baugh, who was later elected to the commission.

"It is my vision and the governor's vision to make sure students get the world-class education they deserve and to prepare them for careers," Colon said.

He said that as chair of the Manatee and Sarasota counties' UNCF Scholarship organization, which gives financial aid to moderate and low-income minorities, education is near and dear to him.

Colon added that he will bring his business background and community experience to the position.

His appointed term on the State Board of Education began Thursday and continues until Dec. 31, 2014.

Colon succeeds Akshay M. Desai.

Scott also appointed Ada Armas of Coral Gables and John Padget of Key West.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The State Board of Education measures the progress of students and aims to increase the proficiency of students to prepare them for entering the workforce.