Wilson & Associates LLC (W&A), a Tallahassee-based lobbying and association management firm specializing in the fields of energy and construction, announced today that it is expanding its team with the addition of Wayne Bertsch as Vice President of Political Operations, and Tami Torres-Fillyaw as a senior communications consultant. As part of its expansion, the firm’s Chief Operating Officer Kari Hebrank has been promoted to Partner.
Bertsch is a highly regarded political professional with more than 25 years of experience in growth management, construction, appropriations, taxation, insurance, workforce education, water, energy and utility policy issues. In addition to his grassroots advocacy for business and education interests in the state Legislature, Bertsch has extensive experience in association management and guiding political campaigns at the local, state and federal levels.
Torres-Fillyaw is a senior-level communications and government relations professional with more than 23 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, issue advocacy and education, and stakeholder engagement in the executive and legislative branches of government, trade associations and nonprofits. Her issue areas of expertise include insurance, residential mitigation, disaster response, state contracting and procurement, and financial literacy education.
Hebrank, who joined W&A in 2012, is a seasoned advocate and subject matter expert with more than 23 years of legislative and regulatory experience in construction, growth management, transportation, environmental, utility, building codes, appropriations and agricultural issues. In addition to executive branch experience, Hebrank has chaired and participated in key coalitions and workgroups including the Construction Coalition and Florida Building Commission.
“Kari is a proven leader who has made significant contributions to the growth and success of W&A. Her promotion to Partner is a reflection of her tireless efforts and deep commitment to our clients and our core values,” said Robert Wilson, President of W&A. “We are also excited to add Wayne and Tami, highly respected professionals with proven track records, to our team.”