Jesse Panuccio Stepping Down in Charge of DEO

Jesse Panuccio will step down as executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Gov. Rick Scott announced on Friday. 

Panuccio has been with Scott since 2011, serving as deputy general counsel before moving up to become general counsel in 2012. A year later, Panuccio took over at DEO. Panuccio’s last day at DEO will be on Jan. 8. 

Scott had kind words for Panuccio on Friday. 
 
“Jesse has been a loyal and trusted advisor since the start of my administration and has worked on major issues including economic policy, dozens of judicial appointments, and significant litigation on behalf of Florida families,” Scott said. “While at DEO, so much has been accomplished under his leadership.  He has helped grow jobs by streamlining the economic development process and has protected taxpayer money by instituting new accountability measures.  Jesse has made fighting fraud in the unemployment system a top priority, and the agency has stopped tens of thousands of fraudulent claims.  He has also been a strong advocate for pro-growth policies, lower taxes, and has tirelessly worked to ensure Florida families can get a good education, a great job, and live in safe communities.
 
“I want to thank Jesse for his years of service to our state and I hope this is not his last position in public service,” Scott added. “I wish Jesse the best in the future and I know he will do well in whatever his next endeavor may be.”
 
Scott did not name a replacement for Panuccio on Friday but his office noted  “an announcement on his replacement will be made in the coming weeks