Now that he is in charge of the National Republican Senate Committee (NRSC), U.S. Sen. Rick Scott has shuffled his staff around.
Scott announced on Thursday that Jackie Schutz Zeckman, currently his chief of staff, will take over as executive director of the NRSC. She will be replaced by Craig Carbone who had been serving as deputy chief of staff.
Carbone has been with Scott’s team since 2015. When Scott was governor, Carbone served as his director of appointments, deputy policy director and as his deputy chief of staff. He also served as Scott’s political director in 2018 when the Republican toppled then U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
John Tupps will also take over as Scott’s state director as Leda Williams Kelly leaves his team. Tupps had served with Visit Florida and as Scott’s communications director and press secretary during his tenure as governor.
Chris Hartline, currently Scott’s communications director, will take on that role over at the NRSC.
Scott weighed in on his new Senate office team on Thursday.
“I’m proud to announce Craig Carbone as my next chief of staff and welcome John Tupps to our team as state director as we continue fighting for Florida families. Craig has been an integral part of my team for years and his organizational skills and commitment to serving the state of Florida will be a huge asset to me and my office. John was one of the earliest hires in my office after I was elected governor and will bring significant experience to a job that is critical to serving Florida families. Both John and Craig are dedicated to our state and I’m proud to welcome John back to the team! They join an incredibly strong group of individuals that are working hard every day to serve the people of Florida,” Scott said.
Scott also offered a tip of the cap to the staffers leaving his Senate office.
“I’m grateful for the service of both Jackie Schutz Zeckman and Leda Williams Kelly, who have worked tirelessly for Floridians in these roles over the past two years. Leda has been on my team for years serving in various capacities before she took on the vital role as state director when I was sworn in. She developed an incredible constituent services operation and a hardworking team throughout the state that works every day to solve problems and get information to Floridians. Jackie is truly a powerhouse and has been an integral part of my team since I was governor – she successfully led my campaign for U.S. Senate, and has helped build our office from the ground up. I look forward to continuing to work with her at the National Senatorial Republican Committee,” Scott said.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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