Focused on the nexus of Florida business, policy, and politics.
Welcome to The Capitolist.
We are a digital media news team providing original reporting, analysis, and aggregated news. We are focused on the nexus of Florida business, policy and politics, bringing together government and elected officials, business leaders and influencers.
We seek to tell more complete stories about the businesses, industries and policy initiatives that drive Florida’s economy, recognizing that today’s legacy media too often oversimplifies or overlooks these important stories.
We’ve been in operation since 2016 with a track record of strong growth. Now, we are in the process of expanding our coverage of the industries that are essential to Florida’s growth, including energy, healthcare, agriculture, telecommunications, tourism, financial services, insurance and gaming, among others.
Brian Burgess, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Phone: (850) 273-2770
Email: brianburgess@thecapitolist.com
Inspired by the unstoppable migration of news consumers away from print media to digital and mobile news consumption, Brian saw the need for a one-stop solution that delivers all Florida business, policy and political news stories – including legacy and new media – into a single source. The result is The Capitolist, a hybrid concept of comprehensive news aggregation and original content, packaged in a sleek mobile and desktop friendly design.
In 2010, he helped lead the communications strategy for then-gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott in his primary and general election campaigns. After winning the 2010 election, Governor-elect Scott appointed Brian as his Communications Director, a role he held through three different chiefs of staff during the first years of Scott’s administration. In 2016, Brian launched The Capitolist, and has led its growing news team for the past five years. Brian brings more than 15 years of media experience to the newsroom after providing public relations and communications counsel to Fortune 500 CEO’s, high-ranking government officials, law enforcement leaders, non-profit groups and high-profile political candidates through some of the biggest challenges they’ve ever faced.
Jordan Kirkland, Political Editor
Phone: (229) 220-2107
Email: jordankirkland@thecapitolist.com
Born and raised in Colquitt, Georgia, Jordan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society. While in Athens, Jordan began his political career, interning for a state house race in 2012. After graduating from UGA 2013, Jordan continued his career working as a Campaign Manager on congressional race in Georgia’s 2nd District while finishing his Master’s Degree in 2016.
Jordan planted his southern roots in Florida in 2017, getting his first taste of Florida politics when he served as a Communications Director on a statewide race. He would go on to start his own digital media company in 2018, covering the state’s pro-business scene.
Caden DeLisa, Capital Reporter
Phone: (850) 666-9733
Email: cadendelisa@thecapitolist.com
A recent graduate of Florida State University with summa cum laude distinctions, Caden holds experience in media through the news aggregation service News Bling where he served as a lead news editor for a daily newsletter for nearly two years. Additionally, Caden was the director of continuity for WVFS Tallahassee 89.7, where he was responsible for the curation and production of scripts, public service announcements, and sponsor messages for on-air broadcasting.
Caden has also assisted in the creation of several short films for FSU’s acclaimed film school while participating in research for FSU’s College of Communication and Information graduate program.