Debbie Wasserman Schultz has dedicated her public life to serving South Floridians and standing up for justice, equality, and opportunity wherever and whenever it is threatened. As Florida’s first Jewish Congresswoman, she has earned the respect of her colleagues for working tirelessly on behalf of seniors, children, and families for nearly three decades. First sworn […]
Tom Rooney was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When Tom was 14 his father, Patrick J. Rooney Sr., moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where the family owned a dog track and gambling business. He graduated from the Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Florida in 1989. In college, Rooney played football for Syracuse University and […]
David came from a family devoted to community service but averse to politics, so his choice of a career may seem surprising. He got an early start, registering students to “vote” in 6th grade, played the role of George H.W. Bush in high school debates, and befriended Florida Attorney General Jim Smith. These experiences led […]
Read more "David Rancourt (UF/PC 1990) Founding Partner- Southern Strategy Group, Tallahassee, FL"
Right out of the gate after receiving her M.A., Lee took a position in the Office of the Governor of Illinois. She left briefly to work on the Victory 2000 presidential campaign, then returned to Illinois to join the Office of State Treasurer. “Illinois politics is as real as it gets,” Lee says. “Coalitions are […]
Samantha grew up in a civically engaged family that is still regularly involved in their community. Like many individuals interested in politics, she volunteered on local and state races during high school and college, both partisan and nonpartisan. It was these experiences that allowed her to find her voice, passion, and the principles that kickstarted […]
Read more "Samantha Sexton (UF/PC 2013) Director of Governmental Relations at UF"
As with many program alumni, Nikki’s love for politics and public service came at a very young age, asking her parents to see the White House for her 10th birthday. A passion for service is clearly evident in her unconventional, varied career in politics. At UF, she became the first female Student Body President in […]
Read more "Nikki Fried (UF/PC 2003) Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services"
Elizabeth likes to say that she grew up on politics and CNN. There is nothing better to solidify an early interest in politics than running a good friend ’s high-school student body presidential campaign, which she did. That’s when Elizabeth decided that she was destined for a career in politics. As a 19-year-old student at […]
Read more "Elizabeth Sena (UF/PC 2004) Partner, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner"
Scott got his start in politics by working as the campaign manager for former state Representative Doug Holder of Sarasota 2006 and 2008. Those experiences led to an interview with the North Carolina Republican State House Caucus for a position as Political Director going into the 2010 elections, after which he was named Executive Director […]
Read more "Scott Laster (UF/PC 2006) Managing Partner, Kairos Government Affairs"