Department of Children and Families Announces New Legislative Affairs Team

On Thursday, the Department of Children and Families announced its new legislative affairs team. Timothy Parson will serve as DCF's legislative affairs director and Nicole Stookey will serve as deputy legislative affairs director.

This won't be Parson's first time serving as DCF's legislative affairs director. He previously served in that capacity and helped pass various reforms to empower foster parents to make reasonable parenting decisions, allow youth the option of remaining in foster care until they're 21 so they can finish high school, earn a GED, attend college, or begin a career. Other reforms advocated by DCF that later passed included prohibiting EBT cards from certain institutions like liquor stores, adult entertainment venues and gaming facilities.

Parson worked in the Florida Senate as a legislative aide for several years prior to joining DCF. He researched a variety of issues involving child welfare and public benefits.

We are pleased that Tim has agreed to take on more responsibility in his new, elevated role as director, said DCF Secretary David Wilkins. He played a key role in our success this legislative session. With his expertise, Im confident that we will be able to accomplish even more for Floridas children and vulnerable adults next session.

Stookey will begin working as deputy legislative affairs director in July. She previously worked as communications director for DCF's Northwest region.

Its a pleasure to welcome Nicole back to our legislative affairs team, said Wilkins. With her experience and years of service at DCF, Nicole will play an important role in developing legislation and gaining support for DCFs legislative agenda.

The two have already begun working on the agenda for the 2014 legislative session.