Eric Eikenberg, Former Charlie Crist Chief of Staff, Gets Paul Tudor Jones' Nod for Everglades Job

Billionaire Paul Tudor Jones, founder and chairman of the Everglades Foundation and major proponent of former Gov. Charlie Crist's failed 2008 land deal with U.S. Sugar Corp., kept his Crist-friendly foundation close to the vest and in the family Wednesday, announcing that Eric Eikenberg has become its new CEO.

Eikenberg is Crist's former chief of staff and campaign manager.

Eikenberg, once a political hand to former U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw of Fort Lauderdale, Eikenberg briefly managed Crists U.S. Senate campaign in 2010 but quit when the governor decided to run as an independent. While he was Crists chief of staff, Ekenberg -- along with George LeMieux, another Crist adviser at the time -- helped steer the effort by the South Florida Water Management District to buy out U.S. Sugar Corp.s land holdings within the Everglades.

Since leaving Crists campaign, Eikenberg has worked for the law firm Holland & Knight.

In a Wednesday morning statement about the appointment, Jones said this: "Eric impressed us from the first moment we met. He has a deep understanding of what it takes to achieve success both in Washington and Tallahassee and he has the leadership skills that will help the Foundation continue to be at the forefront of Everglades restoration.

The still-well-connected Eikenberg replied with this: I am eager to re-engage on the many issues facing the Everglades. The Everglades Foundation is the premier voice when it comes to Everglades restoration."