FICPA honors Rep. Benarroch in Orlando as the organization strengthens its advocacy efforts for Florida’s accounting profession

Florida – The Florida Institute of CPAs is continuing to strengthen its government and political affairs operation as it expands its advocacy work across the state, while also recognizing the role of Florida lawmakers in issues affecting the accounting profession.

The organization’s latest update comes as the FICPA prepares for another active period in Florida politics. With the 2026 primary election now complete and the general election approaching, the institute is placing additional attention on its relationships in Tallahassee and on communicating the concerns of the state’s certified public accountants.

Among the developments announced by the FICPA is the addition of Jesse Christian as its new Director of Legislative & Political Affairs. Christian officially joined the organization on Monday, Aug. 24, and reports to Jason Harrell.

Christian brings experience in Florida government, legislative strategy and regulatory policy to the position. Before joining the FICPA, he served as Director of Special Projects at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, where he worked with Secretary Melanie Griffin and the agency’s executive leadership.

His work at DBPR gave him direct exposure to regulatory and legislative matters involving Florida’s licensed professions. That background is expected to be particularly useful as the FICPA works to represent the interests of CPAs and the profession at the state level.

Christian previously worked at Rutledge Ecenia in legislative affairs and lobbying. His responsibilities there included drafting legislation and amendments, handling lobbying and PAC compliance and working with lawmakers, legislative staff and agency officials.

He also has experience with political campaigns and grassroots engagement and has developed relationships throughout Florida’s public policy community.

Christian is filling the position previously held by Lauren Jones.

“Jesse’s experience working directly with the CPA profession at DBPR and his extensive legislative and political resume make him an ideal fit for our team,” Harrell said. “Our goal is to build the strongest state society advocacy team in the country, so that the CPA profession has the powerful representation it deserves in Tallahassee.”

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The FICPA is also making changes to its existing Governmental Affairs Team. Brayden Harrell, who is now in his third year with the organization, will take on a larger role in developing the institute’s political strategy and building its relationships inside the Florida Capitol.

Communications & Public Affairs Manager Nick Menta is also joining the Governmental Affairs Team and will report to Jason Harrell. Menta has been with the FICPA for six years and has increasingly taken part in the organization’s advocacy work.

In his new role, Menta will focus fully on supporting the Governmental Affairs Team and increasing the visibility of the CPA profession in Florida. The organization says his communications background will help it explain the profession’s priorities and needs more clearly to policymakers and the public.

“Brayden Harrell is one of the fastest rising stars in Florida politics. In his time here, he has demonstrated a tremendous talent for helping us expand our political outreach,” Jason Harrell said.

“Likewise, in order to have an effective advocacy program, you need to be able to tell your story. Nick Menta is a gifted storyteller who will help us shape our legislative messaging and clearly communicate the needs of the profession at the state level.

“I am pleased to have Jesse, Brayden and Nick as part of the Governmental Affairs Team, as we work together to protect and promote the CPA profession in Tallahassee.”

The staffing changes come as the FICPA increases its activity around the state. Jason Harrell and Brayden Harrell recently joined President & CEO Shelly Weir and Chief Growth Officer Jim Gurowka for a series of firm and chapter visits in Florida’s Panhandle.

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Jason Harrell presented at an Office Managing Partner Roundtable in Panama City on Tuesday, while Brayden Harrell addressed the OMP Roundtable in Pensacola on Wednesday.

The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the 2026 legislative session, review the state’s primary election and look ahead to the general election scheduled for November. The organization said the visits also allowed its leaders to spend time with members and others in the profession.

The FICPA represents approximately 20,000 members across Florida. Maintaining communication with those members is an important part of the organization’s broader advocacy effort, particularly as state lawmakers consider policies that can affect businesses, financial professionals and licensed occupations.

Florida’s 2026 primary election has now provided a clearer picture of the statewide races that will continue into the fall.

According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce Political Institute, 3.35 million Floridians voted in the primary through Election Day, early voting and voting by mail. Of those voters, roughly 1.7 million were Republicans, 1.3 million were Democrats and 400,000 were unaffiliated.

Several statewide contests now stand out ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. In the U.S. Senate race, Ashley Moody, a Republican, will face Democrat Angie Nixon. The governor’s race will feature Republican Byron Donalds against Democrat David Jolly.

The statewide contests also include Republican James Uthmeier against Democrat Jose Javier Rodriguez for attorney general, Republican Blaise Ingoglia against Democrat Annette Taddeo for chief financial officer and Republican Wilton Simpson against Democrat Joey Atkins for commissioner of agriculture.

For the FICPA, the election marks the beginning of another period of close political monitoring. The organization’s Governmental Affairs Team plans to follow the campaigns and keep members informed about races and issues that could affect the CPA profession.

While the primary has concluded, the organization’s political work is continuing. The expanded Governmental Affairs Team, combined with its outreach to members and firms around Florida, is intended to give the FICPA a stronger presence as the November election approaches.

The changes also reflect the institute’s stated goal of building a more active and effective advocacy operation. With Christian bringing government and regulatory experience, Brayden Harrell taking on greater political responsibilities and Menta focusing on communications, the organization is positioning its government affairs operation for the next stage of its work in Florida.

As campaigns move toward the general election, the FICPA will continue watching developments in Tallahassee and across the state. Its focus will remain on protecting and promoting the CPA profession while keeping its members informed about political and legislative developments that could affect their work.