This week, global law firm Greenberg Traurig expanded its Government Law and Policy Practice with the addition of Samantha Ferrin as a director in the firm’s Tallahassee office.
Ferrin, who has worked in Florida politics and government for more than a decade, most recently served as the interim secretary and chief of staff for the Florida Lottery.
At Greenberg Traurig, Ferrin will assist clients with businesses in a variety of industries as they adapt to Florida’s political environment and help to bridge gaps that may occur between their businesses and the government. She will concentrate her practice in the areas of gaming, procurement and telecommunications. The Government Law and Policy Practice has been steadily expanding its presence in recent years, consistently ranking in the Top 5 in lobbying revenues statewide.
“We are thrilled to welcome Samantha to our Tallahassee office. Her demonstrated leadership at the state level in Florida will no doubt complement our existing Government Law & Policy team,” said David Ashburn, the managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Tallahassee office. “In addition, Samantha’s deep understanding of the lottery industry has great synergy with our firm’s Gaming Practice and will enhance our ability to serve clients.”
Throughout her career, Ferrin has held various roles within Florida politics and government relations. For the past three years, she has worked for the Florida Lottery, serving as interim secretary, chief of staff and deputy chief of staff. She previously served as deputy director of legislative and external affairs for the Department of Management Services. Her career also includes experience working in the offices of the Florida House majority leader and majority whip, as well as the attorney general of Florida.
“It is a true pleasure to join Greenberg Traurig’s highly respected Government Law & Policy team. I look forward to serving the firm and its clients by utilizing the full breadth of my experience and knowledge of Florida government to help clients achieve their business goals,” Ferrin said. “I believe that the firm’s strong history in the state, and globally, coupled with my experience, will lead to many long-term partnerships.”
As chief of staff for the Florida Lottery, Ferrin was responsible for leading the Florida Lottery and functioning as the chief operating officer. She provided strategic oversight and leadership to more than 418 employees and 13,000 retailer locations. She served as the principal advisor to the executive team and advised the secretary and the Executive Office of the Governor on issues critical to the continued success and growth of the Florida Lottery.
Ferrin’s significant accomplishments at the Florida Lottery include:
- Oversaw the successful conversion of the lottery’s gaming system. including the development of all new software and installation of over 130,000 pieces of equipment at more than 13,000 retailers across the state.
- Led response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing health and safety for employees, customers, retailers, and vendors.
- Achieved a new sales goal for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year of over $7.5 billion.
As the lead lobbyist at the Department of Management Services (DMS), Ferrin was the primary contact between the agency and the Legislature, Governor’s Office, and the private sector. Given the agency’s responsibilities for the business and workforce operations of the state, she developed skills in the state’s procurement process, assisted in large telecommunications efforts that included FirstNet, E911 and SLERS, and supported various policies related to the state group health insurance plan.
“Samantha brings unique insight and practical government experience not only to our Florida Government Law and Policy Practice, but to our national platform as well,” said Hayden Dempsey, the chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Florida Government Law and Policy Practice. “Having served in various capacities in both the executive and legislative branches of government, she understands how to successfully navigate them for clients that interface often with state officials. Her significant experience will be an asset to both our firm and our clients.”
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