TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced Senator Rene Garcia as the first recipient of the “CFO Champion of Consumers” award. This award highlights community leaders who have worked to enact policies that benefit Florida families, helping keep Florida as the best state to live, work and raise a family.

 

“Coming up on his celebration of 20 years in public service, Senator Garcia is more than deserving of this award,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “His unwavering and selfless commitment to public service and the people of Florida inspires us all. Senator Garcia has shown us what it means to serve Floridians, and I know he will continue to be a Champion of Consumers for Florida.”

 

Over the years, Senator Garcia has sponsored legislation and been an ardent advocate for consumers by working to provide protections and support for children and the elderly, protections for insurance consumers, financial assistance for Florida’s small business and veteran community, and supporter of increased mental health awareness.

 

Senator Garcia was elected to the Senate in 2010 and is the Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at New Century Partnership. He served the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2008, and was a City of Hialeah Councilman from 1997-1999. Senator Garcia is a Founding Board Member of the Children's Trust and activist for KidCare, and is a member of the Safe Haven Executive Board, and the Camillus Executive Board. He has received numerous awards including the Florida Children Service Legislative Award, the Alliance for Aging, Elder Statesman Award, and the Health Council of South Florida, Community Leadership Award.