August 7, 2017
Contact: Ashley Carr
(850) 413–2842
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of Ryan West as Chief of Staff, effective later this month.
CFO Patronis said, “Ryan has been a trusted member of my team since day one, and there is no one better suited to serve as my second in command. His instincts and experience have afforded him the tools to do the job, and I have full confidence that he will successfully lead our team for years to come.”
Before joining the CFO’s Office, West most recently served as Chief Advisor to then-Commissioner Patronis at the Public Service Commission (PSC). In that role, Ryan was charged with overseeing policy areas that included electric energy, water and wastewater systems, natural gas and telecommunications. Additionally, he monitored and advised the Commissioner on significant energy policy shifts in state, national and international arenas. He has also served as Chief Advisor to Commissioners Ronald A. Brisé and Ben “Steve” Stevens III.
Public Service Commission Chairman Julie Brown said, “As a member of the Public Service Commission team, Ryan was laser-focused on ensuring the prudent use of ratepayers’ money. His ability to secure solutions to the complex issues facing Florida makes him a fitting choice for Chief of Staff, and he will serve our state well.”
Prior to the PSC, West led the Florida House of Representative’s Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee as Policy Chief.
Former House Speaker Will Weatherford said, “I’ve seen Ryan’s work first-hand, and I’ve watched him become one of Florida’s leading economic development experts. While serving in the House of Representatives, he helped members prepare priority legislation on topics like tourism and job creation, community redevelopment and affordable housing–all of which are critical to keeping Florida moving forward. I know he’ll make a great Chief of Staff.”
Ryan honed his economic development skill set early in his career, while serving as the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Economic Development and Education Policy. There he crafted portions of the Chamber’s legislative agenda and served as the Chamber’s lead lobbyist on legislation that included top-tier topics, such as teacher merit pay, digital learning and charter schools, and tax relief packages for Florida businesses.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Science degree in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Kim, and young son, Parker.
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