Visit Florida and choose Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Communications Director on Friday to lead the state’s tourism marketing efforts.
The organization’s board of directors voted to hire Brian Griffin on an annual salary not exceeding $215,000. The decision came on the same day DeSantis publicly supported his allies for his CEO’s job in visit Florida.
Tampa native Griffin promoted his relationship with Florida’s roots and deep Capitol, seeking support from the board.
“We promote shared values and unique features of Florida, including world-class amenities, unique natural and historic sites, and commitment to public safety and order for all visitors,” he said.
Griffin replaces Dana Young, who announced her retirement in December.
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In his new role, he will be responsible for building the state tourism brand. The Florida Visit Work, a public-private partnership, works to attract tourists and practices through marketing campaigns and public relations.
Board member Carroll Doover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said he believes Griffin is leaving it to the job.
“It’s clear how committed he is to promote the governor’s vision to creating and maintaining Florida nationwide for global visits,” she said.
In a statement, DeSantis praised Griffin for leading “accusations in conveying the Free State of Florida.”
Griffin is excited to launch a new branding campaign to visit Florida, and said he will ensure that the nation will play a prominent role in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence next year.
DeSantis’ ally, Griffin joined the governor’s office in 2022 and failed the 2024 presidential election. He also co-owns Tampa’s kombucha bar and taproom. As the governor’s communications director, he earns an annual salary of $183,600, state records show.
Before joining the Desantis team, he studied the issues of extremist Islam and foreign policy as a senior fellow at the London Centre for Policy Studies, a conservative think tank based in New York City, according to the LinkedIn page. He also worked as the national field director for the Maccabee Task Force, a pro-Israel group founded by conservative billionaires Sheldon and Miriam Adelson.
Griffin holds a Masters degree in International Studies from the University of Florida from Columbia University, according to Online Bio.
Desantis’ next communications director is Alex Lanfranconi. The governor’s office was revealed late Friday afternoon.
Lanfranconi is currently the lead spokesman for West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey. Before that, he worked as assistant communications director in Desantis’ office.
Original issue: July 25th, 2025 10:55am EDT
