Personnel note: Laura DiBella joins Adams and Reese

Former Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella is joining Adams and Reese as a Government Affairs Advisor in the firm’s Intersection of Business and Government Practice. She will work in firm’s Tallahassee office.

“Laura epitomizes economic development in Florida and is one of the most well-connected, forward-thinking and knowledgeable business ambassadors in our state,” said Herschel Vinyard, a leading IBG Partner at Adams and Reese and Jacksonville’s Partner in Charge.

DiBella’s hire continues Adams and Reese’s growth in the Sunshine State. Earlier this month, Adams and Reese launched an Aviation and Aerospace practice with the addition of attorneys Marc Warren and Paul Alp, formerly with the FAA and Boeing, respectively. Warren is admitted to practice in Florida and D.C.

DiBella also has an aviation industry pedigree and serves as Chair of the Aerospace Alliance. She has recruited global aerospace and defense companies to Florida, along with those in the niche eVTOL aircraft industry. In addition to aviation, she is a certified maritime port executive, the former Florida Harbor Pilots Association Executive Director and Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority Port Director.

“Florida is at the forefront of aviation and aerospace development, and Adams and Reese is positioned to assist clients in this emerging industry with the addition of Paul, Marc and now Laura,” Vinyard said. “Our Florida roster is consistently growing. We’re adding economic development leaders and agency executives who can connect business leaders to federal, state and local government officials, where regulatory issues, business and political concerns, and legal questions all intersect.”

DiBella brings more than 25 years of experience in economic development and government relations strategy, lobbying for clients at the legislative and executive branches with knowledge of state and local government processes. She also assists them in site selection, recruitment and retention projects. Across the nation, DiBella works with domestic and international businesses looking to maximize their investment opportunities.

“We view Laura as a game-changer for our clients and prospective clients throughout our footprint,” said Brad Lampley, Adams and Reese IBG Practice Group Leader. “She understands business in Florida and the Southeast and understands how to get things done at all levels of government.”

DiBella oversaw a $21.8 million budget as President/CEO of Enterprise Florida, while also serving as President of the Florida Opportunity Fund, the venture capital arm of the state. DiBella was instrumental in strengthening partnership ties with the international business community, conducting trade missions to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, the United Kingdom, and South America during her tenure as Secretary. Her contributions elevated Florida to the 14th largest economy in the world and fastest growing economy by GDP, at $1.6 trillion.

As the first-ever, full-time executive director of Florida Harbor Pilots Association, DiBella helped pass legislation that prevents citizen initiatives from interrupting commerce at Florida seaports, protecting the state’s ability to conduct international trade and welcome tourists. As the Port Director for the Fernandina, Ocean Highway and Port Authority of Nassau County, she assisted in the award of MARAD America’s Marine Highway M-95 Fernandina Beach to Charleston Barge Service designation and subsequent $1.29 million equipment grant.

DiBella said that in her new role, she looks forward to accomplishing her clients’ business interests and policy goals, while working in lockstep with government agencies, lobbyists, and partners.

“Florida is one of the most desirable locations for companies to grow and flourish — a gold standard for business freedom and prosperity,” DiBella said. “As a passionate ambassador to the business world, I look forward to this opportunity at Adams and Reese to connect all parties to drive economic development.”