WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced that Craig Carbone will serve as Chief of Staff, effective January 2021, following the departure of current Chief of Staff, Jackie Schutz Zeckman, who will be serving as Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. John Tupps will serve as State Director following the departure of Leda Williams Kelly.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to announce Craig Carbone as my next Chief of Staff and welcome John Tupps to our team as State Director as we continue fighting for Florida families. Craig has been an integral part of my team for years and his organizational skills and commitment to serving the state of Florida will be a huge asset to me and my office. John was one of the earliest hires in my office after I was elected Governor and will bring significant experience to a job that is critical to serving Florida families. Both John and Craig are dedicated to our state and I’m proud to welcome John back to the team! They join an incredibly strong group of individuals that are working hard every day to serve the people of Florida. 

“I’m grateful for the service of both Jackie Schutz Zeckman and Leda Williams Kelly, who have worked tirelessly for Floridians in these roles over the past two years. Leda has been on my team for years serving in various capacities before she took on the vital role as State Director when I was sworn in. She developed an incredible constituent services operation and a hardworking team throughout the state that works every day to solve problems and get information to Floridians. Jackie is truly a powerhouse and has been an integral part of my team since I was Governor – she successfully led my campaign for U.S. Senate, and has helped build our office from the ground up. I look forward to continuing to work with her at the National Senatorial Republican Committee.”

Craig Carbone will serve as Chief of Staff, effective January 2021. Most recently, he served as Senator Scott’s Deputy Chief of Staff. Prior to that, he served as Political Director for Rick Scott’s successful U.S. Senate Campaign and Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the Governor, where his responsibilities included acting as a liaison with federal agencies and the White House. He started with the State of Florida in 2015, and served as the Director of Appointments and Deputy Policy Director. Carbone received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and Master’s in Public Administration from Florida International University.

John Tupps will serve as Senator Scott’s State Director, effective December 2, 2020. Tupps most recently served as Vice President of External Affairs for VISIT FLORIDA, overseeing the corporate communications and intergovernmental relations for the organization. Previously, he served as Communications Director and Press Secretary for then-Governor Rick Scott where he led the state’s communication response to Hurricanes Irma and Michael. Tupps also previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Tupps attended the University of Tennessee where he earned his bachelors of communication. He lives in Tallahassee, FL with his wife and their two children.

Communications Director Chris Hartline will also be departing Senator Scott’s office in January 2021 to serve as Communications Director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. A replacement for this position will be announced soon.

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