Drew Wilson

Florencia, Gainesville, Orlando, Tallahassee

VP @Fla_Pol. Former @FloridaMuseum, @UFHealth, @UFCST, @UF_IFAS, @Lobbytools, @THR, @TheAlligator. @UFJSchool alum🐊! I 💕 cats, tats and useless facts.

Featured in: Favicon

floridapolitics.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

ourcommunitynow.com Favicon

biscaynetimes.com Favicon

miamitimesonline.com

Articles

Personnel note: Matt Newton rejoins Shumaker as a Partner

1 week ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

Matt Newton is rejoining Shumaker as a Partner in its Real Estate, Construction & Development Service Line. Newton is known for helping communities and businesses navigate legal and regulatory challenges tied to Florida’s cities, counties and special districts. From zoning and land use to complex permitting, exactions and preemption issues, he brings deep technical knowledge and a clear, strategic approach whenever a project hits a roadblock at city hall.
Personnel note: Roger Handberg joins GrayRobinson’s Litigation practice

1 week ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

Former Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg has joined GrayRobinson as a shareholder in its Litigation practice. Handberg, who will be based in GrayRobinson’s Orlando office, brings more than two decades of experience in high-stakes white-collar defense, government investigations and complex litigation to the firm. “We are tremendously excited to welcome Roger Handberg to GrayRobinson,” said GrayRobinson President and CEO Dean Cannon.
Moore earns spot on Inc.’s 2025 Best Workplaces list

1 week ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

Moore, a globally recognized marketing and communications agency headquartered in Tallahassee, has once again been named to Inc.’s annual Best Workplaces list — an honor that highlights companies with standout cultures and team-first values. “We are honored to once again be recognized on a national stage for the culture we’ve built and the values we live by. Our people are the heart of Moore, and this honor belongs to each of them,” said Karen Moore, the agency’s founder and CEO.
Personnel note: Erin Gillespie joins Presidio’s Florida practice

1 week ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

Erin Gillespie, a veteran of Florida state government and a recognized expert in technology-driven public sector solutions, has joined Presidio’s growing Florida. Presidio, which has partnered with state agencies, local governments, and educational institutions across Florida for decades, announced Gillespie’s addition as part of its ongoing expansion of State, Local and Education (SLED) solutions.
Personnel note: Katie Inman joins Holland & Knight

1 week ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

Katie Inman, who has served as General Counsel in the Attorney General’s Office since 2022, is joining Holland & Knight’s Tallahassee office as a member of the firm’s Public Policy & Regulation Group. In her new role, Inman will focus her practice on federal transportation law and regulatory compliance, with an emphasis on Florida administrative law and land use.
Sine Die: $115B budget headed to Gov. DeSantis

1 week ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

It wasn’t exactly Panthers-Oilers double OT — but after two extensions, the 2025 Legislative Session is over. The House and Senate finalized their spending plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year on Friday evening, starting the clock on the 72-hour cooling-off period before a final vote. True to form, they didn’t gavel in the moment the clock struck zero, instead letting the cooling-off period run fully cold before doing the only thing they are constitutionally required to do: pass a budget.
Latest House offer includes 2% state employee pay raise, below Senate push for 4%

2 weeks ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

The House is meeting the Senate halfway on state employee pay raises. According to the latest budget documents released late Thursday, the lower chamber is pitching a 2% bump for most state workers. The Senate’s position was a 4% raise. The minimum pay raise would be $1,000, down from $1,500 in the Senate plan.
Personnel note: Chesapeake Utilities Corporation welcomes Arian Monzo

2 weeks ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has appointed Arian Monzon as regional government affairs manager for South Florida. Based in Doral, Monzon will focus on strengthening relationships with local officials and community leaders to support the company’s strategic objectives in the region. Monzon brings more than four years of experience in governmental affairs, most recently serving as senior legislative aide and as deputy campaign manager for Sen. Alexis Calatayud.
Ballard Partners, Checkmate Government Relations announce strategic partnership

2 weeks ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

Ballard Partners and Checkmate Government Relations are announcing a strategic partnership to strengthen both firms’ presence in the Southeast. By aligning with Ballard, Checkmate will strengthen its operations and broaden its reach in Florida and other important U.S. markets. This relationship will allow both firms to provide seamless, effective government affairs services across major U.S. states and nationally.
Senate offer funds Legislative Support Services at $57M

2 weeks ago | floridapolitics.com | Drew Wilson

In the latest offer from the Senate, the Legislative Branch would receive $252.5 million in administered funds, with most of the allocation sustaining core operations. The Senate offer is nearly the same as its initial position except for the addition of a $3 million increase for operational funding. The bulk of the funding — nearly $192.8 million — is earmarked for startup operational costs. An additional $56.7 million is included to restore Legislative Support Services. Gov.