New Deputy Chiefs of Staff, other lieutenants named in Ron DeSantis’ administration

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.