Leda Kelly Becomes Chief of Staff for Florida Dept. of Transportation

August 12, 2022 Updated 1:44 P.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announced additional staffing changes after Christina Pushaw resigned as press secretary to join the governor’s campaign.

Leda Williams Kelly, formerly serving in a legislative role, has become the Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida’s Voice was told.

“I’m excited to welcome Leda to the Department,” Dept. of Transportation Sec. Jared W. Purdue said. “Leda’s background in policy and procedure at both the state and federal levels makes her an invaluable asset to our team. She has a proven record to help lead the department’s 6,000 employees as we execute the mission of providing a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of our environment and communities.”

Kelly previous experience includes serving as the staff director of the State House Redistricting Committee from Nov. 2020- present, worked as the state director for U.S. Sen. Rick Scott during 2019, Scott’s campaign in 2018, and the deputy director of external affairs in the Executive Office of the Governor from late 2014 to late 2016.

Josefina “Josie” Tamayo was also elevated to the position of CEO of Volunteer Florida.

Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, her and her parents fled to the U.S. and settled in Georgia. From there, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a law degree from Georgia State University. As of now, she has 33 years as a public servant, including but not limited to being an Assistant State Attorney, General Counsel for five state agencies, and being the first Cuban American woman appointed to serve as Circuit Judge on the Second Judicial Circuit.