Former Speaker Will Weatherford joins Florida Chamber board

Will Weatherford, in an increasingly active post-legislative career, has taken on a new role at the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

The former Florida House speaker, now a principal of the newly launched Weatherford Partners, has joined the Florida Chamber’s board of directors.

“The Florida Chamber is pleased to welcome Will Weatherford to the Board of Directors,” said Chamber President Mark Wilson in a statement.

“Speaker Weatherford and the Florida Chamber have a shared belief in securing Florida’s future by championing free enterprise solutions,” Wilson added. “As we continue on our mission to make Florida more competitive, the Florida Chamber is proud to have Will Weatherford and the team at Weatherford Partners help lead the way.”

Weatherford Partners’ mission is to engage high-integrity business owners and management teams for the provision of capital and strategic advisory services. With its extensive investment, consulting, and political experience Weatherford Partners offers clients a uniquely effective network of relationships and local market knowledge.

After four consecutive terms in the Florida Capitol, Weatherford has been a steadfast promoter of free enterprise and education reform. During his tenure, the speaker developed into a thought leader in a variety of pro-growth issues: lower taxes, pension reform and market-based health-care solutions.

As a result, Weatherford became Florida Chamber’s Most Valuable Legislator in 2014, consistently earning “A” ratings on the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card.

“When it comes to advocating on behalf of jobs and businesses in Florida, the Florida Chamber is second to none,” Weatherford responded. “I’m excited to partner in the Florida Chamber’s efforts to advance economic opportunities through private-sector job creation, and look forward to working with Florida’s leading pro-jobs, pro-business organization.”

Florida Chamber’s board of directors represents businesses of all sizes and all sectors of the state’s economy, led by Beall’s Inc. CEO Steve Knopik as chair.