August 22, 2018

Joseph Pennisi to Retire as Florida Policy Institute Executive Director

Pennisi has led the organization since April 2015

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Policy Institute Board of Directors today announced that Joseph Pennisi is stepping down from his position at the nonpartisan Florida Policy Institute in late September 2018.

Pennisi is the nonprofit startup’s executive director and has been involved with the organization since shortly after its incorporation by the board in September 2014.

The board has retained the D.C.-based firm Raffa to conduct an external search for Pennisi’s successor. Raffa is a woman-owned consulting and professional services firm whose mission is to be a catalyst for positive, systemic change. Dedicated to strengthening and supporting the nonprofit sector, the firm and its affiliates employ nearly 300 full-time employees who deliver an array of business consulting, search and managed infrastructure services to clients.  Additional information about the leadership opportunity and search can be found here.

“Joe has been instrumental in raising the Institute’s profile among policymakers, funders, media and of course, the general public,” said Board Chair Mireya Eavey. “He came here with decades of budget, policy and management experience, and quickly made a name for the Institute as a trusted source of information on all things revenue-related. The board appreciates all of his hard work. As sad as we are to see him leave, we knew this day was approaching, and we wish him well in his retirement and in any future endeavors!”

“It’s been a privilege to help build the Institute from the ground up and bring awareness to the state’s need to invest more in its families and communities,” said Pennisi. “When I started in this position my goal was always to hand over the reins once I felt that the appropriate infrastructure was in place. And I’m proud to say that the organization has made great strides in the past few years, moving from a fledgling nonprofit to a well-respected thought leader on state tax and budget policy. We’ve brought to the forefront of policy discussions issues like Florida’s lack of investment in areas that would result in widespread prosperity, and we’ve worked closely with numerous partners to urge the state Legislature to do more in areas like public education, health care, the environment and affordable housing.”

Prior to his position at the Institute, Pennisi enjoyed a distinguished career in high level positions in state and local government, providing policy advice, budget expertise, outcome-based management, housing and community development and financial administration in support of public sector objectives. His experience includes tenures as secretary to the New York State Senate Finance Committee, executive director of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and commissioner of the City of Albany’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Pennisi received a bachelor’s degree in government from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Institute is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing state policies and budgets that improve the economic mobility and quality of life for all Floridians.

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