State of Florida Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

State of Florida has 10 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, administrative operations, and emergency management.

Committed to public service and regional prosperity, State of Florida maintains a robust framework for governance, economic stability, and cultural preservation across the southeastern United States.

Leadership Roles at State of Florida

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jimmy Patronis
  • Chief of Staff - Mary Pridgeon
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Melissa Smith
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kathryn Strickland
  • Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative - Luke Givens
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Prashant Guthikonda
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Cody Farrill
  • Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief of Staff - Jon Bussey
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Stasi Kamoutsas
  • Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez - Christina Castillo
  • Jimmy Patronis - Chief Financial Officer

    Jimmy Patronis, the Chief Financial Officer at State of Florida, manages the fiscal integrity and economic health of the state. Overseeing the Department of Financial Services, the Chief Financial Officer directs investment strategies, insurance regulation, and state accounting protocols. This leadership role requires constant coordination with legislative bodies to ensure budgetary compliance and transparency. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Patronis protects the financial interests of residents across the southeastern region. The Chief Financial Officer also implements policies that stabilize the insurance market and promote long-term economic growth. Through rigorous oversight of state funds, Jimmy Patronis maintains the fiscal solvency necessary for public infrastructure and essential services. Patronis drives initiatives that modernize financial reporting systems, ensuring that the state remains competitive and accountable in a complex economic landscape while supporting the broader mission of governmental efficiency.

    Mary Pridgeon - Chief of Staff

    Mary Pridgeon, the Chief of Staff at State of Florida, coordinates administrative operations and strategic initiatives across the executive branch. Managing the flow of information and policy development, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between various state agencies and the governor's office. This role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and managing complex inter-agency projects that impact the entire state. By streamlining communication channels, Pridgeon optimizes the efficiency of governmental functions and ensures that policy objectives receive proper execution. The Chief of Staff also acts as a primary liaison for stakeholders, fostering collaboration to address regional challenges. Mary Pridgeon maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that administrative resources support the state's mission of public service. Through careful management of executive priorities, Pridgeon secures the successful implementation of legislative agendas and maintains the organizational stability required for effective governance in the southeastern United States.

    Melissa Smith - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Melissa Smith, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Florida, supports the executive leadership team by managing internal operations and policy implementation. Focusing on organizational development, the Deputy Chief of Staff oversees specific administrative workflows that enhance the productivity of state agencies. This role involves analyzing policy impacts and coordinating cross-departmental efforts to ensure that state initiatives meet established performance benchmarks. By facilitating communication between departments, Smith ensures that strategic goals remain consistent with the broader mission of the state. Melissa Smith also manages complex projects that require inter-agency cooperation, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address regional needs. The Deputy Chief of Staff maintains a rigorous standard for operational efficiency, supporting the executive branch in delivering essential services to the public. Through proactive management and strategic planning, Smith contributes to the overall effectiveness of the state government and its commitment to public welfare.

    Kathryn Strickland - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kathryn Strickland, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Florida, directs strategic communications and public engagement initiatives. Overseeing the dissemination of policy information, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the public remains informed about state programs and legislative developments. This role involves managing relationships with external stakeholders and coordinating outreach efforts that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the region. By aligning communication strategies with executive priorities, Strickland strengthens the connection between the government and the citizens. Kathryn Strickland also monitors public sentiment to inform policy adjustments, ensuring that state actions remain responsive to the needs of the population. The Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates collaborative efforts across agencies to promote transparency and civic participation. Through the execution of targeted engagement campaigns, Strickland supports the state's mission of fostering an informed and active citizenry while maintaining the integrity of governmental operations across the southeastern United States.

    Luke Givens - Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative

    Luke Givens, the Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative at State of Florida, bridges the gap between legislative action and executive administration. Managing the legislative agenda, the Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative coordinates with representatives to advance policy goals that benefit the state. This role involves drafting legislation, negotiating terms with stakeholders, and ensuring that policy proposals align with the broader strategic vision of the government. By facilitating dialogue between the legislative and executive branches, Givens ensures that state laws effectively address regional challenges. Luke Givens also oversees the administrative functions of the representative's office, ensuring that constituent services remain a top priority. The Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative maintains a focus on legislative efficiency, supporting the development of policies that promote economic growth and social stability throughout the state's diverse metropolitan and rural areas.

    Prashant Guthikonda - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Prashant Guthikonda, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at State of Florida, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks for state agencies. Overseeing the modernization of information systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that technology supports the efficient delivery of public services. This role involves managing large-scale data projects and implementing security protocols that protect sensitive information across the state. By integrating advanced technological solutions, Guthikonda enhances the operational capacity of government departments and improves accessibility for citizens. Prashant Guthikonda also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align IT investments with the state's long-term strategic goals. The Deputy Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on digital transformation, ensuring that the state remains resilient against cyber threats while fostering innovation. Through the deployment of scalable cloud infrastructure and data management systems, Guthikonda supports the state's mission of providing secure, reliable, and efficient digital services to the public.

    Cody Farrill - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Cody Farrill, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Florida, manages inter-agency logistics and operational planning for state initiatives. Focusing on the coordination of resources, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that various departments operate in harmony to achieve executive objectives. This role involves overseeing the implementation of complex programs that require multi-agency collaboration and strict adherence to state regulations. By optimizing operational workflows, Farrill enhances the efficiency of government services and ensures that project timelines are met. Cody Farrill also monitors the performance of state programs, providing data-driven insights to the executive leadership team. The Deputy Chief of Staff maintains a focus on resource allocation, ensuring that state assets are utilized effectively to support the needs of the population. Through proactive management and strategic oversight, Farrill contributes to the overall success of the state's administrative functions and its commitment to delivering high-quality public services.

    Jon Bussey - Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief of Staff

    Jon Bussey, the Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief of Staff at State of Florida, directs the operational response to natural disasters and public safety crises. Overseeing the coordination of emergency resources, the Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief of Staff ensures that the state remains prepared for environmental challenges common to the southeastern region. This role involves managing relationships with federal and local agencies to facilitate rapid response and recovery efforts. By streamlining the deployment of personnel and equipment, Bussey enhances the state's resilience against hurricanes and other emergencies. Jon Bussey also leads the development of emergency management policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of residents. The Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief of Staff maintains a focus on operational readiness, ensuring that the state can effectively manage large-scale incidents. Through strategic planning and crisis management, Bussey supports the state's mission of protecting lives and property during critical events.

    Stasi Kamoutsas - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Stasi Kamoutsas, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Florida, oversees policy research and legislative analysis to support executive decision-making. Focusing on the development of long-term strategic plans, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that state policies are grounded in rigorous data and stakeholder feedback. This role involves coordinating with policy experts to address complex issues such as economic development, education, and public health. By synthesizing information from various sources, Kamoutsas provides the executive team with actionable insights that drive state progress. Stasi Kamoutsas also manages the implementation of key policy initiatives, ensuring that they align with the governor's vision for the state. The Deputy Chief of Staff maintains a focus on legislative impact, supporting the creation of laws that foster growth and stability. Through careful analysis and strategic coordination, Kamoutsas contributes to the effectiveness of the state government and its commitment to serving the diverse needs of the population.

    Christina Castillo - Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez

    Christina Castillo, the Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez at State of Florida, manages the administrative and strategic functions of the Lieutenant Governor's office. Overseeing the daily operations and policy priorities, the Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez ensures that the office effectively supports the executive branch's agenda. This role involves coordinating with state agencies and external partners to advance initiatives related to economic development and public service. By facilitating communication and managing the Lieutenant Governor's schedule, Castillo ensures that key objectives receive the necessary attention and resources. Christina Castillo also leads special projects that address regional priorities, fostering collaboration across the state. The Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez maintains a focus on operational efficiency, supporting the Lieutenant Governor in representing the state's interests. Through proactive management and strategic leadership, Castillo contributes to the overall success of the executive team and the state's commitment to public welfare.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding State of Florida Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads State of Florida?
    State of Florida is led by Jimmy Patronis (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Mary Pridgeon (Chief of Staff) and Melissa Smith (Deputy Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of State of Florida’s executive team?
    The executive team of State of Florida includes leaders such as Jimmy Patronis (Chief Financial Officer), Mary Pridgeon (Chief of Staff), Melissa Smith (Deputy Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does State of Florida have?
    State of Florida has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in State of Florida’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of State of Florida includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative.