TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Robert “Bob” Asztalos as the new Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), selecting a longtime veterans’ advocate and health care policy expert to lead the state agency.
“Bob has dedicated his career to serving others, including his leadership at the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” DeSantis said. “I’m confident he will work hard to improve the lives of Floridians with unique abilities.”
Asztalos, who has served as Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) since 2021, said he was honored to accept the new role.
“I look forward to working with APD’s dedicated staff and partners to make sure individuals with unique abilities have the opportunities and support they need to thrive,” he said.
During his time with FDVA, Asztalos oversaw Florida’s eight state-run veterans nursing homes and the state’s domiciliary for veterans. His background also includes serving as interim Chief Operating Officer for a veteran-owned medical equipment company and spending decades in state and federal health care policy and advocacy roles.
FDVA Executive Director James Hartsell praised Asztalos’ leadership and impact on the state’s veterans programs.
“Bob’s tireless efforts to improve the operations and success of our State Veterans Homes will have a lasting impact for many years to come,” Hartsell said. “He has my full trust and confidence as a leader.”
In Tallahassee, Asztalos previously served as Chief Lobbyist for the Florida Health Care Association and as a government relations consultant for Easter Seals Florida. In Washington, D.C., his experience includes roles with the American Health Care Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, and the law firm Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering.
A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve with 29 years of service, Asztalos also spent 17 years with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from George Washington University and serves on several nonprofit and veteran-related boards, including the Florida Veterans Foundation, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 34, and Ladies Learning to Lead.
