BFR
Briefings from the Rotunda
Eileen Stuart heads to Hopping Green & Sams; will still lead Mosaic’s GR efforts
46 | INFLUENCE SUMMER 2018
PHOTO: Marybeth Tyson
“E
ffective (and) ethical.” Her new firm is “really lucky to be getting” her. Those were some of the reactions to news that fertilizer giant Mosaic’s chief lobbyist Eileen Stuart was decamping to the Tallahassee law firm of Hopping, Green & Sams to boost its government affairs practice. Stuart made the jump in June. She spent almost 10 years at Mosaic, most recently as vice president for government and regulatory affairs, working on lobbying efforts in Tallahassee and Washington. At Hopping, Green & Sams, she’ll be a shareholder, though her practice will center largely on state and federal government and regulatory affairs. The deal also ensures she will continue to represent Mosaic in Tallahassee and serve as a key voice and face for the company. “Eileen worked for one of TECO’s most important customers for about 10 years,” said Charles O. Hinson, vice-president of government relations at TECO Energy. “I was so impressed with her that I all but offered her a job in a business meeting (between TECO and Mosaic) with her boss present,” he said. “She is talented, effective, ethical and a winner. She is a great fit for the Hopping firm.” Mark Kaplan, Eileen’s former boss at Mosaic and a former chief of staff to Gov. Jeb Bush, said the law firm “and its clients are really lucky to be getting Eileen Stuart.” Stuart “makes everyone around her better through her uncanny ability to understand and connect with people at all levels, analyze and solve complex strategic and technical problems, and do it all with unquestioned integrity that continually earns the trust of people throughout government and business,” Kaplan told INFLUENCE. “This is a great fit and it will be fun to watch Eileen and her new colleagues build on HGS’s legacy in Florida,” added Kaplan, who was recently named vice president of government and community relations for the University of Florida. Prior to joining Mosaic, Stuart worked in the Executive Office of the Governor under Gov. Charlie Crist where she served as deputy policy director.
She also has worked at the Florida Senate and the Public Service Commission. Stuart received an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from the Florida State University College of Law. She and her husband live in Tallahassee with their two sons. “HGS’ widely recognized expertise and reputation provide an unparalleled platform, and I am excited to work alongside the exceptional team there to help our clients achieve their objectives,” Stuart said.