It’s typical for second-term executives to shake up their political appointments after winning reelection. Florida Governor Rick Scott’s reshuffling has not been without controversy, and one departure in particular could prove decisive in whether Scott meets his goals for the next four years.
Gov. Scott’s platform is simple: jobs. In his inaugural address, Scott doubled down on this point, unveiling plans to visit various states in hopes of luring businesses to Florida. During his first term, Scott found success on similar visits, and former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp says that’s thanks in no small part to the state’s top business recruiter Gray Swoope.
“He was the right person at the right time to carry out Gov. Scott’s prime directive, and he did a good job doing so,” Kottkamp says.
The only problem? Scott announced Wednesday Swoope will be leaving his post as CEO of the Enterprise Florida at the end of February. Still, Kottkamp doesn’t think Florida’s growth will slip.
“No, I really don’t,” he says. “There is a remarkable staff that works at Enterprise Florida and they’re all going to be there for the most part I assume.”
For an administration whose cornerstone is job creation, Swoope’s replacement could prove critical in the governor’s attempt to build his legacy.
