Phil Ammann
Lobbyist Justin Thames was named Tuesday as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA).
Thames previously was governmental affairs manager for more than four years with the Tallahassee-based association, which represents more than 20,000 CPAs and accounting professionals statewide. He will now oversee the group’s political and legislative strategy.
A fourth-generation Floridian and FSU graduate, Thames developed an intimate knowledge of Florida politics though his time as a political action coordinator for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions.
“Justin Thames is a passionate advocate for CPAs,” FICPA CEO-President Deborah Curry said. “His relationships with Florida’s legislative and executive branches of government, including the Board of Accountancy and his understanding of accounting issues have prepared him to represent the FICPA.”
In his new role, Thames will direct the FICPA lobbying team, provide legislative policy advice to the FICPA board, grassroots outreach, and manage fundraising for the organization’s four political action committees.
Currently, Thames — a member of Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists — is liaison to a number of internal committees, including the FICPA State and Legislative Policy, Florida State Tax, State and Local Government and Common Interest Realty Associations.
“I am honored to lead the FICPA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of hard-working CPAs across Florida,” Thames said.
