Rick Scott’s Legislative Affairs Director Returning to Rutledge

Jon Costello, Gov. Rick Scotts legislative affairs director since January 2011, is going back to Rutledge, Ecenia & Purnell PA, where he will once again lead the governmental affairs practice.

"We are extremely excited that Jon is returning to the firm to lead the governmental affairs practice," Gary Rutledge, the firms president, stated in a release.

"As an early policy adviser to candidate Rick Scott, and later the governors top lobbyist through two successful legislative sessions, Jon has proven himself to be one of the most informed and effective advocates in Florida.Jons stellar reputation as a knowledgeable and integrity-driven adviser will be a great benefit to our clients and the firms growth."

Costello, 31, announced Aug. 16 he was stepping down from the governors office, with the resignation effective Sept. 7. He said at the time he had committed a lot of time to the governor and needed to dedicate more of himself to his wife Nicole and sons Jack and Dillon.

Costello had been seen as a driving force behind Scotts effort to create the Department of Economic Opportunity, on re-employment assistance reform, workforce board accountability measures, regulation reduction legislation and tax relief.

Costello had come to the governors attention during the 2010 gubernatorial campaign through Rutledge.Costello had been with the firm for about five years before serving as one of Scotts senior policy advisers.

Among Costello clients during his prior employment with Rutledge were included HCA, T-Mobile, MillerCoors, St. Petersburg Kennel Club, and the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association.