Abou⁠t⁠ Us

FLORIDA’S LEADING THINK TANK IN AMERICA’S MOST IMPORTANT STATE.

Our mission is to tether the Sunshine State to the wisdom of free-market capitalism, limited government, the rule of law, economic liberty, and the principles that have made our nation great.

OUR MISSION

Today’s policy environment is a whole new universe – issues hit us at lightning speed, our attention is diverted at a moment’s notice, and the things we thought we held dear get upended at a pace unlike anything in history. As daily events shift minute by minute, we all want to keep our feet planted firmly, even when the ground feels like it’s shifting.

THAT’S WHERE WE ARE AT OUR BEST.

The James Madison Institute is where you find your grounding. Our mission is to advance the principles that represent the north star of what has made this country the greatest prosperity engine in the history of mankind – free markets, limited government, and economic liberty. For close to 40 years, we have championed these principles in important issues such as keeping the economy open, education reform, the future of technology and innovation, and healthcare. That commitment means even though politicians may come and go, JMI remains. We view this mission as both protecting the policies that make the Sunshine State a success and exporting those ideas across the country.

Our efforts take us from the classroom to the capitol to the four corners of the country. We reach future generations with the message of liberty. Working with high school and college students, governors, legislators and grassroots citizens, our role is to be the conscience of wise policymaking – through solid research, engaged outreach, and compelling thought-leadership.

Policy can be complicated – our approach isn’t. Navigating in this environment isn’t for the weak-minded or faint of heart. Our 35-plus year track record is a testament to that. As we work through complicated issues, our approach is simple…- maintain a focus on policy, not politics and keep the principles of limited government, free markets, and economic liberty front and center.

Throughout the years, we’ve remained a constant conscience of Florida’s leaders and a champion for hardworking Floridians who have made this state what it is today. While you pursue your dreams, we work to protect them.

OUR CORE BELIEFS

Adhere consistently to our principles of promoting limited government and economic freedom.

Engage Floridians in ways that are relevant to their everyday lives.

Produce honest and intellectually rigorous research and analyses of Florida’s issues.

Focus on strategic omnipresence as an intellectual thought leader in Florida.

Provide value to our constituents.

Reach the next generation with our mission.

Serve as a model for the nation and export our successes.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar 25, 2025

Red, White, & Bluegrass: An Evening With Trey Gowdy

1600 Miccosukee Road

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Feb 17, 2025

2025 Naples Annual Dinner

9891 Gulf Shore Drive Naples, FL 34108

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OUR TEAM

Dr. J. Robert McClure

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Rebecca Liner

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

William Mattox

SENIOR DIRECTOR, THE J. STANLEY MARSHALL CENTER FOR EDUCATION FREEDOM

Logan Padgett

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Doug Wheeler

DIRECTOR OF THE GEORGE GIBBS CENTER FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Jill Mattox

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF GRANTS AND EDITING

Dr. Victor Claar

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS, FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

Dr. Edward Longe

DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Karen Hickey

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Megan Hansen

Nicole Kiser

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Turner Loesel

POLICY ANALYST

Adelyn Valencia

GRANT WRITER

Jennifer Huddleston

Clay Tullos

ACCOUNTANT

Allan G. Bense

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Glen T. Blauch

VICE CHAIRMAN

J.F. Bryan IV

Timothy M. Cerio

Robert H. Gidel Sr.

L. Charles Hilton Jr.

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

John F. Kirtley

Harout J. Samra

William N. Shepherd

Jeffrey V. Swain

CHAIRMAN

Joe S. York

Dr. Michael Bond

SENIOR LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Dr. Jack Chambless

PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS, VALENCIA COLLEGE

Dr. Marshall DeRosa

PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Elizabeth Price Foley J.D.

PROFESSOR OF LAW, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW

Dr. Randall Holcombe

PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Robert Poole

DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION POLICY, SEARLE FREEDOM TRUST TRANSPORTATION FELLOW, REASON FOUNDATION

Peter Schweizer

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND SPEAKER

Dr. Sam Staley

MANAGING DIRECTOR, DEVOE L. MOORE CENTER AT THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

James Taylor J.D.

SENIOR FELLOW OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, HEARTLAND INSTITUTE

Dr. J. Antonio Villamil

FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL OF THE WASHINGTON ECONOMICS GROUP, INC.

Olivia Stoutamire

University of North Florida

Dylan Smidt

Ave Maria University

Jacob Aguirre

Florida International University

Jessica Hattemer

Florida Gulf Coast University

Samuel Hirsch

University of Miami School of Law

Isabella Contopoulo

University of Florida

Daniel Hollingsworth

Florida State University

Courtney McLain

University of Central Florida

Andrew den Boggende

Florida Southern College

Hailey McIlvaine

University of South Florida

Russell Tretter

Rollins College

Ayla Yebba

University of South Florida

David Brady, Jr.

Florida Southern College

Susan Stafford

PRESIDENT, THE EVENT ARCHITECTS

Carson Wolf

Ave Maria University

Mary Connolly

University of Central Florida

OPPORTUNITIES

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a part of The James Madison Institute team.