Florida TaxWatch (FTW) announced Wednesday the appointment of Tony Carvajal as executive vice president.

Carvajal, who previously served as president and CEO of The Able Trust, a foundation established by the Florida Legislature that is tasked with helping people with disabilities obtain employment, will succeed Robert Weissert. Weissert, who served 14 years at FTW, is moving to Washington, D.C to continue his career.

Others joining the nonpartisan group include Carolyn Gosselin as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, Tanya Bechtold as Director of Investor Relations, and Kat Dunn as Digital Content Manager.

“Florida TaxWatch is proud to announce Tony Carvajal as our new Executive Vice President and welcome Carolyn Gosselin, Tanya Bechtold, and Kat Dunn to our team,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “Tony is a proven leader whose impressive experience and success across Florida’s non-profit and business sectors will work to further propel the mission of Florida TaxWatch.”

“On behalf of the entire Florida TaxWatch family, we thank Robert Weissert for his 14-years of dedicated service, hard work, and friendship and wish him the very best in this new and exciting chapter of his life.”

With today’s appointment, the watchdog institute gains more than 30 years of nonprofit management and consulting experience from Carvajal. Prior to his stint with The Able Trust, Carvajal served as executive vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation, an organization devoted to the advocacy of private businesses in the state of Florida. There he was instrumental in developing programs and policies designed to ensure competitiveness and improve the state’s business climate. 

In addition to his research background, Carvajal also currently serves on the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Following the announcement, Carvajal told The Capitolist he’s excited for the opportunity to help Floridians and the state move forward in 2021.

“I am honored to join a team that for more than 40 years has produced more government accountability, increased returns on tax dollar investment, and helped shape a stronger Florida, particularly at a time like this,” Carvajal said. “While nearly every industry has advocates working on its behalf, the taxpayers of Florida are fortunate to have Florida TaxWatch in their corner, and I am excited about helping bring the state and its residents back from this year’s challenges.”

FTW also announced the promotions of Kurt Wenner and Bob Nave to Senior Vice Presidents of Research and Chris Barry to Vice President of Communications in the press release.