State of Florida Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

State of Florida has 10 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, administrative operations, emergency management, legislative coordination, information technology, and human capital management.

Committed to fostering economic prosperity and public safety, State of Florida maintains a diverse cultural landscape while delivering essential government services across the southeastern United States.

Leadership Roles at State of Florida

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jimmy Patronis
  • Chief of Staff - Sarah Hansford
  • Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief of Staff - Jon Bussey
  • Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative - Luke Givens
  • Chief Information Officer, State - Warren Sponholtz
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kathryn Strickland
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Stasi Kamoutsas
  • Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez - Christina Castillo
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Cody Farrill
  • Chief People Officer - Natasha Moore
  • Jimmy Patronis - Chief Financial Officer

    Jimmy Patronis, the Chief Financial Officer at State of Florida, manages the fiscal integrity and economic stability of the entire state. Overseeing the Department of Financial Services, the Chief Financial Officer directs investment strategies, insurance regulation, and state treasury operations to ensure long-term solvency. This leadership role involves protecting consumer interests while maintaining transparent accounting practices for all public funds. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Jimmy Patronis directly impacts the financial health of the region. Patronis also collaborates with legislative bodies to implement policies that promote economic growth and fiscal responsibility across the southeastern United States. Through rigorous oversight of state assets, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial future of the population, ensuring that public resources support critical infrastructure and essential services throughout the diverse communities within the state borders.

    Sarah Hansford - Chief of Staff

    Sarah Hansford, the Chief of Staff at State of Florida, coordinates high-level administrative operations and strategic initiatives across the executive branch. Directing the daily workflow of the governor's office, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between policy goals and operational execution. This leadership role involves managing inter-agency communication and facilitating complex decision-making processes that impact the entire state. By streamlining organizational processes, Sarah Hansford optimizes the efficiency of government functions. Hansford also serves as a primary liaison between cabinet members and external stakeholders, maintaining focus on the overarching mission of public service. Through the management of critical projects and the resolution of high-priority issues, the Chief of Staff drives the implementation of state-wide programs, ensuring that the administration remains responsive to the needs of the citizens while navigating the unique cultural and geographic challenges of the southeastern region.

    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 readiness and disaster response capabilities for the entire state. Overseeing the coordination of emergency resources, the Chief of Staff ensures that the department maintains a robust posture against natural threats common to the southeastern United States. This leadership role involves managing inter-agency partnerships and logistics to facilitate rapid deployment during crises. By architecting comprehensive emergency protocols, Jon Bussey enhances the resilience of the state infrastructure. Bussey also monitors real-time data to inform strategic decisions regarding public safety and resource allocation. Through the integration of advanced planning and field operations, the Chief of Staff secures the well-being of the population, ensuring that the state remains prepared to mitigate risks and recover effectively from any large-scale emergency event that impacts the region.

    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, manages legislative affairs and administrative support for the House of Representatives. Overseeing the coordination of policy development and constituent services, the Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative ensures that legislative priorities align with the broader goals of the state government. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between elected officials and the public to drive effective governance. By optimizing the legislative process, Luke Givens supports the creation of laws that reflect the diverse heritage and needs of the population. Givens also coordinates with various departments to ensure that policy implementation remains consistent with state mandates. Through the management of legislative staff and the oversight of critical policy initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative secures the functional success of the legislative branch.

    Warren Sponholtz - Chief Information Officer, State

    Warren Sponholtz, the Chief Information Officer, State at State of Florida, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure for the entire state government. Overseeing the security of state data and the modernization of IT systems, the Chief Information Officer, State ensures that digital services remain accessible and secure for all citizens. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technology projects that support government efficiency and public transparency. By architecting scalable cloud solutions and robust cybersecurity frameworks, Warren Sponholtz protects the integrity of state information. Sponholtz also collaborates with agency leaders to integrate innovative technologies that improve service delivery across the southeastern region. Through the strategic management of the state's digital assets, the Chief Information Officer, State drives the modernization of government operations, ensuring that the technological foundation supports the evolving needs of the population and the long-term goals of the administration.
    Warren Sponholtz

    Kathryn Strickland - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kathryn Strickland, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Florida, supports the executive leadership team by managing internal operations and cross-departmental projects. Overseeing the implementation of administrative policies, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that government agencies maintain high standards of performance and accountability. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the governor's office and various state departments to drive operational excellence. By streamlining internal processes, Kathryn Strickland enhances the efficiency of state-wide initiatives. Strickland also monitors the progress of key policy goals, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of the population. Through the coordination of complex administrative tasks and the resolution of operational bottlenecks, the Deputy Chief of Staff secures the smooth functioning of the executive branch, allowing the administration to focus on delivering essential services and achieving long-term strategic objectives for the state.

    Stasi Kamoutsas - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Stasi Kamoutsas, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Florida, directs the strategic planning and execution of public-facing initiatives. Overseeing the coordination of community outreach and stakeholder engagement, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that government programs remain aligned with the diverse needs of the population. This leadership role involves managing public relations and communication strategies that promote transparency and trust in the administration. By architecting effective engagement frameworks, Stasi Kamoutsas strengthens the connection between the state government and the citizens. Kamoutsas also collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that policy initiatives are communicated clearly and effectively across the southeastern region. Through the management of public affairs and the oversight of strategic communications, the Deputy Chief of Staff secures the public's confidence in the administration, ensuring that government actions reflect the values and priorities of the people.

    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 daily operations and strategic priorities for the office of the Lieutenant Governor. Overseeing the coordination of policy initiatives and public appearances, the Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez ensures that the Lieutenant Governor remains focused on key state-wide objectives. This leadership role involves managing staff and facilitating communication between the Lieutenant Governor and other government officials. By optimizing the office's workflow, Christina Castillo enhances the impact of the Lieutenant Governor's work on the state's economic and social landscape. Castillo also monitors emerging issues and provides strategic advice to support effective decision-making. Through the management of the office's resources and the oversight of critical projects, the Chief of Staff To Lieutenant Governor Nuñez secures the success of the Lieutenant Governor's agenda, contributing to the overall progress of the state.

    Cody Farrill - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Cody Farrill, the Deputy Chief of Staff at State of Florida, manages the operational logistics and inter-agency coordination for the executive office. Overseeing the implementation of special projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that government initiatives are executed with precision and efficiency. This leadership role involves managing complex schedules and facilitating meetings between key stakeholders to drive progress on state-wide goals. By streamlining the coordination of resources, Cody Farrill supports the administration's ability to respond to emerging challenges. Farrill also monitors the performance of various departments to ensure that operational targets are met. Through the management of critical administrative functions and the oversight of project timelines, the Deputy Chief of Staff secures the operational success of the executive branch, ensuring that the state government remains agile and effective in serving the needs of the population across the region.

    Natasha Moore - Chief People Officer

    Natasha Moore, the Chief People Officer at State of Florida, directs the human capital strategy and workforce development for the entire state government. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the state attracts and retains a high-performing workforce. This leadership role involves managing training programs and performance management systems that support the professional growth of public servants. By architecting inclusive workplace policies, Natasha Moore fosters a culture of excellence and service. Moore also collaborates with agency leaders to align workforce capabilities with the strategic goals of the administration. Through the management of human resources and the oversight of employee relations, the Chief People Officer secures the long-term success of the state government, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and equipped to deliver high-quality services to the citizens of the state.

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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 Sarah Hansford (Chief of Staff) and Jon Bussey (Florida Department of Emergency Management 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), Sarah Hansford (Chief of Staff), Jon Bussey (Florida Department of Emergency Management 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, Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Scott Plakon, Member of House Representative, Chief Information Officer, State.