Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Doug Holder has entered the government affairs sector.
Holder recently registered as a lobbyist, representing the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System on behalf of The Legis Group. Holder founded the firm with former Rep. Robert Schenck.
A former state representative, Holder served in the Florida House from 2006 until 2014. During his time in office, the 50-year-old Venice Republican served as chairman of the House economic development subcommittee.
He was forced to leave office in 2014 because of term limits, but had hoped to make a political comeback earlier this year when he ran for the Florida Senate in District 23. Holder was one of several Republicans vying to fill the vacant state Senate seat and was backed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Holder came in second behind Greg Steube, who later went on to win the general election in November.
Schenck, a 41-year-old Spring Hill Republican, served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2014. Schneck served as chairman of the House health and human services committee during the 2010-12 term. During the 2012-14 term, he served as the chairman of both the House rules and calendar committee and the select committee on gaming.
That healthcare experience will go a long way in his new role as a lobbyist. Schenck recently registered as a lobbyist representing MCNA Dental Plans and Ultimate Health Plans. He’ll also represent the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
