Allison DeFoor

Allison DeFoor

Colleen Castille

Colleen Castille

TALLAHASSEE, FL, February 24, 2011 – Two of Florida’s top public policy leaders — Allison DeFoor and Colleen Castille – have joined The Fiorentino Group (“TFG”), a full-service government relations and business development firm with offices in Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Tampa.

Both Castille and DeFoor have served leadership roles at the highest levels in Florida state government, the judiciary, law enforcement, environmental protection and on numerous boards.

“Allison and Colleen have long and distinguished careers in public service,” said Marty Fiorentino, founding partner of TFG. “Their years of experience at the highest levels of government will be a tremendous asset to our firm and our clients.”

“Since opening its doors in 2002, The Fiorentino Group has grown rapidly because of its reputation for integrity and high quality, results-oriented representation,” said Castille, who served as both Secretary of Environmental Protection and Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs under Governor Jeb Bush.  “We look forward to working with Marty and his team and being a part of the next decade of growth at TFG. This alliance will add increased value to our clients’ efforts to influence public policy and navigate the halls of government.”

DeFoor, who served as Sheriff and Circuit Court Judge in Monroe County, and “Everglades Czar” in the administration of Governor Jeb Bush, added:  “We’re very excited about the synergies our backgrounds and expertise bring to TFG.  We believe an integrated approach to government relations issues, incorporating community and public relations with lobbying and advocacy creates superior results.  We share their vision of doing well by doing good.”

Colleen Castille served as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection under Governor Jeb Bush from 2004-2007 and Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs from January of 2003 to February of 2004.  She also served as Chief Cabinet Aide to Governor Bush and Commissioner of Education Frank Brogan and Senior Cabinet Aide to Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer Tom Gallagher.  She currently serves on the boards of The Leroy Collins Public Policy Institute and LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts.

Allison DeFoor II is a seventh-generation Floridian.  He is a former county and circuit judge, Sheriff of Monroe County and Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1990, as
running mate to Governor Bob Martinez.

#MORE#

From 2002-2006 he served as Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.  He serves on the Board of Governors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and is on the Board of Directors of Florida TaxWatch and Associated Industries of Florida.  He is a Trustee of Tallahassee Community College and is an ordained Episcopal priest engaged in prison ministry.

Founded in 2000, The Fiorentino Group has offices in Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Tampa Bay, and represents a wide range of clients, including insurance, transportation, telecommunications, real estate development, health care, local governments and non-profits. The firm’s principals have more than 50 years of combined experience in local, state and national governmental affairs with contacts across the country.

Media Contacts:

John Finotti
Office: 904.493.5006
Mobile: 904.891.3867
jfinotti@AccessPR.net

or

Jennifer Symmes
Office: 904.493.5006
Mobile: 904.553.1808
jsymmes@AccessPR.net