Gov. Rick Scott Appoints Melissa Sellers As Chief of Staff

By  //  November 17, 2014

Jackie Schutz selected Communications Director

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Melissa Sellers as Chief of Staff and Jackie Schutz as Communications Director in the Governor’s Office beginning December 1.
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Melissa Sellers as Chief of Staff and Jackie Schutz as Communications Director in the Governor’s Office beginning December 1.

TALLAHASSE, FLORIDA – Gov. Rick Scott today announced the appointments of Melissa Sellers as Chief of Staff and Jackie Schutz as Communications Director in the Governor’s Office beginning December 1.

Gov. Rick Scott
Gov. Rick Scott

“Melissa did an outstanding job leading my reelection efforts and running communications during my first term, and I have full confidence that she will do an excellent job as my chief of staff,” said Gov. Scott. 

“Jackie has been on my communications team since my first year in office and has helped convey my vision of Florida being the best place for families. We are going to work every day to make Florida the best place to get a great job and world-class education and Melissa and Jackie will be valuable as we continue that mission. I also want to thank Adam Hollingsworth for his service to the State of Florida as my Chief of Staff for the last two and a half years. Adam has been laser-focused on helping make Florida the best place for future generations.”

Sellers most recently served as campaign manager for Governor Scott’s reelection campaign. Before that, Sellers served as Governor Scott’s communications director from September 2012 to January 2014.

Prior to joining Governor Scott’s team, Sellers served as the Director of Regional Media for the Republican National Convention in Tampa. She also served as communications director for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal in his campaign and then in his official office until departing in November 2011.

Sellers led the development of Governor Jindal’s messaging during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the catastrophic Gulf oil spill in 2010, and multiple state budget shortfalls. Sellers has a bachelor’s of journalism from the University of Texas.

Melissa Sellers
Melissa Sellers
Jackie Schutz
Jackie Schutz

Schutz most recently served as deputy communications director for Governor Scott’s reelection campaign. She began working in the Governor’s office in 2011, serving as a spokesperson and traveling press secretary while helping with message development and reporter outreach.

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Prior to joining Governor Scott’s team, Schutz was an account executive at Tallahassee public relations firm CoreMessage, and served in roles with Governor Jeb Bush and in the House of Commons in the UK Parliament.

Jackie received a bachelor’s degree in political science and religion from the Florida State University and a master’s degree in political communications from the London School of Economics.