Personnel note: Ronald A. Brisé joins Gunster

Another legacy law firm goes under the Gunster umbrella.

Ronald A. Brisé, the former state utility regulator denied a third term by Gov. Rick Scott, now is joining the Gunster law firm as a government affairs consultant.

The news was shared first with Florida Politics.

Brisé will join his former Public Service Commission (PSC) colleague Lila Jaber, now Gunster’s Regional Managing Shareholder. He will be based in the Tallahassee and Orlando offices.

“Ron brings a tremendous amount of legislative and agency experience with him to Gunster, which complements our government affairs services and strengthens our statewide footprint even further,” managing shareholder Bill Perry said in a statement.

Brisé was first appointed to the PSC, which regulates investor-owned utilities, in 2010 by Gov. Charlie Crist. Brisé had re-applied for another term before Scott decided to go with former state Rep. Ritch Workman. Workman since withdrew his nomination after a sexual misconduct allegation.

Brisé, who also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006-10, “leverages a wealth of experience in governmental, legislative, political and business arenas to represent clients in matters that include appropriations, business development, education, governmental and legislative affairs, public policy, and economic development,” the firm said.

Here’s more from the release:

With Miami-Dade County roots, Brisé has long been involved in communities in central and South Florida such as the City of North Miami Planning Commission, NAACP, Urban League, Miami Union Academy board of directors, Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and the Florida Hospital Diabetes Institute and Translational Research Institute Foundation board of directors.

Brisé’s in-depth experience working in Florida’s government began with his election to represent District 108 in the Florida House of Representatives at the age of 32 for his first term in 2006; he was subsequently re-elected without opposition.

During his time in the Legislature, Brisé was designated Democratic whip and served as vice chair of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators.

Brisé served on several committees, leading the dialogue on some of Florida’s more pressing issues pertaining to energy, telecommunications, redistricting, appropriations, and Medicaid reform.

He is credited with sponsoring legislation instrumental in expanding broadband deployment in Florida to address the digital divide, as well as legislation that improved consumer protection for Florida’s families and garnishment and exemption of wages.

Brisé received his bachelor’s degree in biology education from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, and received master’s  degrees in management and marketing from American Intercontinental University in Illinois.

Gunster’s statewide government affairs law and lobbying practice represents commercial and individual interests across a cross-section of industries. Brisé joins the well-established legislative team of J. Larry Williams, Joanna Bonfanti, Cameron Yarbrough, Greg Black, Greg Munson, and Derek Bruce – led by Jaber.