Joseph Abruzzo

Joseph Abruzzo (Government Relations & Public Policy Consultant)

Not admitted to the practice of law

Joseph Abruzzo is a Government Relations and Public Policy Consultant for Weiss, Handler & Cornwell P.A., working as an independent contractor. Joseph assists clients in planning major projects, political strategy and issue orientated research in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy, and other areas that are affected by municipal and federal government legislation, regulation or funding. Joseph consults with the Firm through his independent company, AIM, LLC.

Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008, and re-elected subsequently, Joseph represented the 85th District in Palm Beach County. In 2012, Joseph was elected to the Florida State Senate representing the 25^th District in Palm Beach County.

With an in depth understanding of economics and private business enterprise, Joseph was appointed as the ranking member of the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. In the Senate, Joseph has been appointed Vice Chair of the Finance and Tax Committee, and the Alternating Chair of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee. Joseph has additionally been appointed to serve on: the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services; the Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; the Community Affairs Committee; the Fiscal Policy Committee; and the Regulated Industries Committee.

Before consulting with the firm, Joseph was the Public Information Officer for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel Fourth District. Through this engagement, along with his previous business employment with an international marketing agency, Joseph acquired considerable experience in creative advertising, interactive marketing, and public relations campaigns, through which he helps clients communicate strategic positions clearly and compellingly.

In 2003, Joseph graduated from Lynn University, Boca Raton with a B.A. in International Communications and Minor in International Business. During his time at Lynn University, Joseph received the Count and Countess de Hoernle Humanitatian Award in 2003, and he was selected for inclusion in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges in 2002. He also served as the President of the Student Government Association in 2001-2002, and as the Student Government Association’s Treasurer in 2000-2001.

Joseph is passionately active in civic and charitable affairs. He is a founding member of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, part of the Heroes’ Circle for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and an advocate for numerous animal rights causes. He also served his Country as a Port Security Specialist for the United States Coast Guard Reserves from 2005 through 2013. Joseph’s long history of public service includes serving as:

• A Board Commissioner for the Health Care District Board of Palm Beach County from 2010 through 2013;

• Chairman of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation from 2011through 2012;

• A Board Member for the Public Service Commission Nominating Council from 2010 through 2011;

• A Member of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Hearing Board during 2008; and

• A Member of the City of Boca Raton Education Advisory Board from 2002 through 2003.

Joseph’s commitment to civic affairs is demonstrated by his long-standing service as a member of the following civic and community organizations:

• The Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee;

• The United South County Democratic Club;

• The Democratic Club of Greater Boynton Beach;

• The Mid-County Democratic Club;

• The Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce;

• The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce;

• The Delray Chamber of Commerce;

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce;

• The Palm Beach County Voters Coalition;

• The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans;

• The National Organization of Women;

• The Heroes’ Circle for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; and

• The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Joseph has additionally received the following Honors , Awards, and Recognitions:

• 2012 Legislator of the Year from the National Association of Social Workers;

• 2012 Alzheimer’s Community Care Award of Appreciation;

• 2012 Middle Class Champion for the Progressive Caucus of Florida;

• Fix Florida’s 2012 Top Dog Award;

• 2011 Legislator of the Year from Voices of Hope;

• 2011 Legislator of the Year from the AIF Florida Maritime Council;

• 2011 Award of Appreciation from the Delray Citizens for Delray Beach Police;

• 2010 President’s Award from the Palm Beach County Medical Society;

• 2011 Legislator of the Year from the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans;

• 2010 Legislative Award from the Restaurant and Lodging Association;

• 2009 Legislative Award from the Restaurant and Lodging Association;

• 2008 Good Conduct Medal from the United States Coast Guard;

• 2007 Presidential Unit Citation from the United States Coast Guard;

• 2006 Global War on Terrorism Service Medal;

• 2005 National Defense Service Medal;

• 2005 U.S.C.G. Combat Veterans Association Physical Fitness Award; and

• 2005 United States Coast Guard Port Security “A” School Honor Team.