Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last week appointed Melanie Griffin as Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
“I am excited to get to work advancing Governor DeSantis’ pro-business agenda,” Griffin said in a statement. “Florida is the best in the nation for business owners and I’m elated for the opportunity to further advocate on behalf of the business community.”
“I personally know Secretary Griffin and can attest to her passion for service. We will be working closely together during the weeks ahead to make a seamless transition as we continue to support the DBPR team in ongoing initiatives and the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Type 2 Transfer to Florida Gaming Control Commission,” said current DBPR Secretary Julie Brown, who will now Chair the Florida Gaming Commission.
Griffin, of Tampa, is an Attorney with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick and senior advisor for Business-to-Business Relationships for Shumaker Advisors Florida. She is also the Founder and Owner of Spread Your Sunshine, a business that provides speaking and professional training services and designs, manufactures and sells inspirational products and gifts. Griffin is President of the Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers Executive Board of Directors, serves on the Florida State University College of Law Board of Visitors, and is a Fellow of The Florida Bar Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance, master of business administration and juris doctor from Florida State University.
Griffin's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
The FICPA congratulates Secretary Griffin and looks forward to working with her to advance the cause of Florida's CPAs.