Jeff Brandes Former Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) has launched a new endeavor called the Florida Policy Project. The non-partisan research institute will focus on criminal justice reform, property insurance, transportation and housing issues. Brandes served in the Florida Senate from 2012-2022.
Tasha Carter Appointed chief recovery director by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is Tasha Carter. Carter, previously with the consumer services division at the Department of Financial Services, will be overseeing claims related to Hurricane Ian.
Rick Dolan Appointed State Forester and director of Florida Forest Service is Rick Dolan. A division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, he was appointed by Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Simone Marstiller Former Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Simone Marstiller has returned to the Gunster law firm as a government affairs consultant. Marstiller, who left AHCA last November, is a former 1st District Court of Appeal judge. She previously served as Associate Attorney General under Bill McCollum, executive director of the Florida Elections Commission, secretary of the Department of Management Services and state Chief Information Officer.
New College of Florida Suzanne Sherman, provost of New College of Florida, stepped down last month. The New College of Florida Foundation hired Sydney Gruters as its new executive director and vice president for advancement.
Ricky Polston Justice Ricky Polston retired from the Florida Supreme Court on March 31st. The Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has hired Polston as the organization’s general counsel and chief legal officer.