Staff Reports
Gov. Ron DeSantis is bringing on a seasoned government lawyer and his cabinet liaison to serve in top spots in his administration.
Anastasios Kamoutsas, who previously served as the top lawyer and later Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Education, is now a Deputy Chief of Staff in the DeSantis administration. Cody Farrill, former Cabinet Affairs Director, was also named to the same position.
By hiring Kamoutsas, DeSantis is elevating a loyal bureaucrat to help carry out his state-side objectives at a critical time in his national campaign.
Kamoutsas’ tenure at the Department of Education occurred during a particularly political time for the agency. DeSantis has leaned on the Department over the past few years to implement legislation like the Parental Rights in Education bill and the STOP WOKE Act, according to The Florida Standard, which first reported the hires. Kamoutsas also played a key role in a fight between some school districts and the state over mask policies during the pandemic.
Farrill also boasts an extensive record in state government, serving in lobbying roles for the administration earlier. Before that, he held high-ranking positions in state agencies, including as Chief of Staff at the Agency for Health Care Administration. He was recently named among the most influential people in health care politics by INFLUENCE Magazine.
Other shuffling at the administration includes the elevation of Jason Mahon to Communications Director and Peter Cuderman to Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. Mahon was the Deputy Communications Director prior and has also helmed communications spots in other state agencies. Cuderman served in a similar capacity — as Deputy Legislative Affairs Director — during the last Legislative Session.
“Anastasios, Cody, Jason and Peter have served as invaluable members of the Governor’s administration and have been instrumental in putting wins on the board for Floridians,” Chief of Staff James Uthmeier told Florida Politics. “We are pleased for them to continue their service as we move toward another groundbreaking Legislative Session.”
These personnel moves come months after DeSantis announced his national campaign, when some state staffers were brought into the political fold, including at the Press Secretary positions.
7 comments
Earl Pitts "The Ronald's UnOfficial Campaign Manager" American
August 6, 2023 at 7:39 pm
Dont worry America,
I, Earl Pitts Amwrican, will set that young whippersnapper bow-tie wearing lad straight on appropriate attire and remind him that henceforth only Democrats wear non-manly bow-ties. He’s agreed to lock up all his bow-ties for the duration of the job.
Other than that he seems like a decent kid.
Thank you America,
EPA
My Take
August 6, 2023 at 8:19 pm
Don’t little girls wear bows?
There could be more to this than just poofy men’s fashion.
Glory days
August 6, 2023 at 8:22 pm
So this is who runs the state while the paid governor uses taxpayer dollars to make a fool out of Floridians trying to be the next cult leader
Dont Say FLA
August 6, 2023 at 10:07 pm
Is this the Rhondapprentice where KC and the Never Bend Over PAC decided who to pick as replacement for Rhonda in the Rhonda Campaign? It certainly has a bit of that aroma to it.
My Take
August 7, 2023 at 12:55 am
When, oh when, will his stooges get back around to destroying FAU?
Sonja Fitch
August 8, 2023 at 3:56 am
Where is Mark Meadows?
It's Complicated
August 8, 2023 at 9:36 am
These roles often go to zealous young people who are on the rise in their careers. The reason is people with experience in the public policy world can earn a LOT more money NOT working for state government. It’s great experience working in the furnace and whirlwind of the Governor’s Office for a few years, and if you are good at it there is a place for you in the private sector. If you are not particularly good at it, when the administration ends you can probably find another administrative job in state or local government.
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