Michael Moline
The Florida Council of 100 has hired veteran Tallahassee hand Bob Ward as its new chief executive, the organization announced Friday.
Ward, who stepped down as clerk of the Florida House earlier this year, will assume the duties of president and chief executive officer on Monday, the council announced.
“Bob is a proven leader who has long practiced the council’s fair-minded approach to public policy creation,” council chairwoman Rhea Law said. “Our members look forward to marrying his considerable expertise and initiative with their business know-how to take the council to new heights.”
Ward became clerk in 2008 after stints as top aide to former speakers Allan Bense and Marco Rubio. He began his House career as a legislative analyst in 1995 and worked as an education policy coordinator for Gov. Jeb Bush.
Ward was co-chief of staff to former Speaker Tom Feeney and served as staff director to the House education committees. He also has served in state agencies and in local government.
The council represents more than 100 companies with 600,000 or more employees. Gov. Farris Bryant initiated its creation in 1961, seeking business-oriented advice about political issues.
