Gov. Rick Scott ended considerable speculation today by announcing the appointments of two key staff members for his office, Melissa Sellers as chief of staff and Jackie Schutz as communications director. The start date for each is Dec. 1.
In a written statement to the press Scott said, Melissa did an outstanding job leading my re-election efforts and running communications during my first term, and I have full confidence that she will do an excellent job as my chief of staff.
"Jackie has been on my communications team since my first year in office and has helped convey my vision of Florida being the best place for families. We are going to work every day to make Florida the best place to get a great job and world-class education, and Melissa and Jackie will be valuable as we continue that mission."
The governor continued, "I also want to thank Adam Hollingsworth for his service to the state of Florida as my chief of staff for the last two and a half years. Adam has been laser-focused on helping make Florida the best place for future generations.
Native Texan Melissa Sellers, 32, most recently served as campaign manager for Scotts re-election campaign. Before that, she served as the governor's communications director from September 2012 to January 2014.
Prior to joining Scotts team, Sellers served as the director of regional media for the Republican National Convention in Tampa. She also served as communications director for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal in his campaign and then in his official office until departing in November 2011.
Sellers led the development of Jindals messaging during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the catastrophic Gulf oil spill in 2010, and multiple state budget shortfalls. Sellers has a bachelors of journalism degree from the University of Texas.
Jackie Schutz most recently served as deputy communications director for Scotts re-election campaign. She began working in the governors office in 2011, serving as a spokesperson and traveling press secretary while helping with message development and reporter outreach.
Prior to joining the governor's team, Schutz was an account executive at the Tallahassee public relations firm CoreMessage, and served in roles with Gov. Jeb Bush and in the House of Commons in the United Kingdom Parliament.
Schutz received a bachelors degree in political science and religion from Florida State University and a masters degree in political communications from the London School of Economics.
