April 5, 2005

Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) announces today that Leslie Dughi, a political and legislative veteran of Tallahassee for the last 18 years, will be the new Chief Political Officer (CPO). Leslie, who will remain as the Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs at Greenberg Traurig’s Tallahassee office, will serve as CPO on a contractual basis.

AIF President, Barney T. Bishop III, stated that “We are very pleased to have someone of Leslie’s qualifications, experience and stature assisting our political arm – Florida Business United (FBU). FBU is an extremely active player in interviewing political candidates, endorsing them and helping them to get elected or unelected as it were. Furthermore, we may have critical Constitutional Amendments on the ballot to support or defeat. We need someone who has extensive political experience and who can help us to navigate the myriad of races and issues that the business community will be facing as term limits continue to deplete the legislative ranks. The 2006 election cycle will also be very important because we will be electing a new Governor for the first time in eight years. We want to support candidates who understands the importance of jobs and growth to Florida’s economy. We believe that she will play a key role in this endeavor.”

Leslie has extensive lobbying experience and has represented clients on issues ranging from health and life insurance, legal and tort reform, taxation, workers’ compensation insurance, consumer protection and privacy, managed care, medical malpractice liability, and the aerospace industry. In addition, she recently served as the Director of Government Affairs for the Florida Chamber of Commerce prior to joining the Greenberg Traurig law firm. Leslie has also worked diligently across the state in local and statewide elections and as such, she has a significant understanding of grassroots politics, polling, GOTV efforts, phone-banking, and the media aspects of a campaign. It will be that expertise that FBU will rely on as we enter the next campaign cycle. “I'm honored to have the opportunity to work with AIF members and be part of the efforts of FBU. Through the years, FBU has been the main catalyst for the business community to get engaged in political matters in Florida, and we will continue to strive to ensure that candidates for the Florida Legislature understand the concerns of the business community,” said Dughi.

She has been active in civic affairs and serves as a Delegate to the Healthy Florida Foundation, as an appointee to the Florida Bar Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee, and on the Board of Directors of the Leon County Humane Society. Leslie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, with a specialty in Management, from St. Leo College in Florida.