INFLUENCE
100
Brian HUGHES AND Rachel PERRIN ROGERS {PLAYERS}
106 | INFLUENCE SUMMER 2018
Nick IAROSSI {LOBBYIST}
“The true character of a man is not defined by what he does when in front of a crowd, but what he does when no one else is around.” Author Unknown There is no doubt that my husband, Nick Iarossi, is one of the most influential people in Florida Politics. I have watched Nick work tirelessly to become the man he is today, working day in and day out, with the same commitment and hard work every day. What is amazing about Nick, is that he has never brought a bad day at work home with him. He is a happy, unbelievable man who loves his family and life with everything he has. Nick’s favorite quote is, “When you think you’re coasting, you’re really going downhill.” And that is what he teaches our daughters about hard work and life. When Nick is not taking them on carriage rides in New York City, to shows on Broadway, or to the race track to show them his love of racing, he is teaching them how to throw a spiral, with a side of life lessons to carry with them. And while this recognition is well deserved and Nick’s career is truly amazing, let me tell you who Nick is to two of the most influential people in his life – our two daughters, Kayla and Ella. “Daddy motivates me to be my best. He gives the best advice,” Kayla Iarossi. “Daddy protects me, I just love him. My favorite is when he takes me to work with him,” Ella Iarossi. Congratulations, Nick. We are so proud of you and love you very much. – Debbie Iarossi
PHOTO: Mary Beth Tyson
She is the savvy legislative aide to Senate Majority Leader (and likely future Senate President) Wilton Simpson. He is the hard-driving political engineer behind dozens of successful campaigns and public figures, currently serving as chief of staff to Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. Together, Rachel Perrin Rogers and Brian Hughes form one of the state’s premier political power couples. They are equally comfortable whether huddling with decision makers, organizing a fundraiser, rallying crucial votes in the state Legislature or city hall, or talking with Florida’s top political journalists. They have collectively advised, served or helped Florida’s most powerful and highestprofile public figures get elected, including Curry and Simpson, Gov. Rick Scott, State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, former State Sen. and gubernatorial candidate Paula Dockery, former Senate President and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, and many more. This past year, those same public figures rallied around Perrin Rogers and Hughes when they stood together against one of the most powerful political leaders in the state — and prevailed. Looking ahead, this duo will only wield more and more influence as both Mayor Curry and Sen. Simpson are ascending leaders who will play even bigger roles in Florida’s future. – Brian Burgess, The Capitolist