The leader of Gov. Rick Scott’s job-placement agency was recommended Tuesday to take over as president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, which continues to face stiff opposition from lawmakers over economic-development funding.
The Enterprise Florida Executive Committee voted unanimously to back the appointment of Chris Hart, a former state lawmaker and the longtime head of CareerSource Florida, to serve as president and CEO of the business-recruitment organization.
The organization’s board of directors, which is chaired by Scott, is expected to vote on the recommendation Wednesday. If approved, Hart would start with the public-private Enterprise Florida on Jan. 3.
The committee selected Hart over former Florida Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Richard Biter for the job advertised at paying $175,000 to $200,000 a year.
Biter’s son, Jesse Biter, who runs a management firm out of Sarasota, sits on the Enterprise Florida board.
The terms of a deal with Hart still need to be worked out.
Hart’s knowledge of the Legislature, through the CareerSource position he’s held since 2007 and as a former two-term House member from Tampa, was considered a valuable selling point by committee members.
Enterprise Florida Vice Chairman Alan Becker, also a member of the executive committee, said Hart’s legislative knowledge “might come in handy this year.”
Hart, a Republican, also worked a little more than a year as director of the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development in the governor’s office starting in January 2010.
Enterprise Florida has been without a president since June 24. Former president and CEO Bill Johnson resigned following the Legislature’s rejection of Scott’s request for $250 million in economic-incentive money for the public-private organization.
Scott has announced he will ask lawmakers for $85 million for incentives in 2017. Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, has said he intends to work for the governor’s proposal if the money is available.