MIAMI, FL – Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez announced senior staff hires in the Washington, D.C. office and the full district team based in Miami, FL and the Florida Keys.
“I am excited to have a dedicated and bright team working for Florida’s 26th Congressional District. From the beginning, I have told our team that I expect the best and that is what our constituents deserve. I am confident we have the team in place to best represent our vibrant and dynamic South Florida communities in Congress,” Gimenez said.
Alex Ferro has been tapped as Gimenez’s Chief of Staff based in Miami. He joins Gimenez on the path from Miami-Dade County to Capitol Hill, previously serving as Chief of Staff while Gimenez served as Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Ferro, a graduate of the Florida State University, served in various capacities in state-level government, non-profit organizations, and Florida House campaigns.
Nicole Rapanos is serving as Deputy Chief of Staff based in Washington, D.C. after leading Gimenez’s campaign in the 2020 congressional election. She previously worked for former Congressman Carlos Curbelo and Florida Senator George LeMieux. Since attending the University of Miami, Nicole has worked on several campaigns and community initiatives in both Miami and the Florida Keys.
Chase Clanahan has been selected as the Legislative Director based in Washington, D.C. where he will lead Gimenez’s efforts in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee among other legislative priorities. He previously worked for former Congressman John Shimkus of Illinois, starting as an intern and leaving as Deputy Legislative Director. He is a graduate of Murray State University.
Danny Jativa is serving as Communications Director based in Washington, D.C. where he will also lead Gimenez’s foreign affairs portfolio. He previously worked for Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler of Missouri and Congressman Daniel Webster on Capitol Hill with previous work at Fox News and the Washington Examiner. He is a graduate of the Florida State University and American University.
Christina Elias has been named the Deputy District Director based in Miami, FL. She has worked at all levels of government, including several Members of Congress, and the private sector as a liaison to various government entities.
Frank Balzebre has been selected as the Director of Community Outreach based in Florida City, FL. He has previously served with Gimenez in various capacities throughout Gimenez’s tenure in local and county government. Frank will be focusing his efforts in the greater South Dade area, concentrating on agriculture, military affairs, and small business issues.
Jeanna Garrido is serving as the Florida Keys Director based in Key West, FL. Prior to joining Gimenez’s office, she served as the Executive Director of the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and served as the Senior Director of Membership and Philanthropy for the University of Florida Alumni Association for nearly ten years. Jeanna has worked in various capacities as a political consultant, non-profit organizations, and state-level government.
Reimy Benitez has been tapped as the Director of Constituent Services based in Miami, FL. He previously worked for two Members of Congress in South Florida, including former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27).
Carlos Fanjul is serving as a Congressional Aide based in Miami, FL. His focus will be on assisting the constituent service team, the community outreach team and serve as a liaison to the DC office on legislative affairs. Carlos is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans.
Andre Rodriguez serves as the Communication Advisor based in Miami, FL. He has served as CEO of his own consulting firm for the past 11 years and is an active part in the South Florida community. He is a graduate of the Universidad Santa Maria of Venezuela and the Art Institute of Philadelphia.
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