U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., announced on Thursday that McKinley Lewis will take over as his communications director.
After taking over as the chairman of the National Republican Senate Committee (NRSC), Scott shuffled his team moving Jackie Schutz Zeckman, who had been his chief of staff, to serve as the executive director of the NRSC. She will be replaced by Craig Carbone who had been serving as deputy chief of staff. John Tupps took over as Scott’s state director as Leda Williams Kelly left his team. Chris Hartline, who had been Scott’s communications director, will take on that role over at the NRSC.
Lewis will take over from Hartline next month. Sarah Schwirian will be Scott’s deputy communications director while Clare Lattanze will be press secretary and Alexandra Ojeda will stay as Hispanic press secretary.
Scott weighed in on Lewis joining his team on Thursday.
“I’m excited to welcome McKinley as my new communications director. He has been a valued member of the team for years and will bring all of his skills, talents and energy to this new role. Chris Hartline, who will be moving over to lead communications at the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has built a strong foundation over my first two years in the Senate. I’m confident that I have the best communications team in Washington – a team that is dedicated to serving the people of Florida – and I look forward to seeing the new things we’ll be able to accomplish for Florida families under McKinley’s leadership,” Scott said.
Currently the senior vice president of accounts with On 3 Public Relations, Lewis has been Scott’s deputy communications director when Scott served as governor. He also served in Tallahassee as the communications director and press secretary for the Florida Department of Corrections and as a communications specialist at the Florida Department of Health.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
