Press Releases

JMI Adds New D⁠i⁠rec⁠t⁠or of ⁠t⁠he George G⁠i⁠bbs Cen⁠t⁠er for Econom⁠i⁠c Prosper⁠i⁠⁠t⁠y

By: Logan Padgett / 2024

Logan Padgett

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Press Releases

2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2024

CONTACT
Logan Elizabeth Padgett
850-386-3131

JMI Adds New Director of the George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity

TALLAHASSEE — Today, we are excited to announce that The James Madison Institute has added a new staff member to our team. Doug Wheeler is the new director of the George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity at JMI.

In this new role, Doug will work with a wide variety of business leaders, policymakers, researchers, free market partners and stakeholders to promote market-based policies supported by the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and individual freedoms.

“As JMI grows and expands our presence both in Florida and beyond, we are pleased to welcome Doug Wheeler as our new director of the George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity. His background and policy knowledge along with his shared belief in the principles of freedom and liberty make Doug the perfect candidate to help the leaders of our state navigate both the challenges and opportunities in this critically important area.”— Dr. Bob McClure, President and CEO, The James Madison Institute

Most recently, Doug served as President of D. Wheeler Strategies, a full-service public affairs firm providing strategic consulting services in the areas of local, state, and federal government affairs, brand & business development, communications, and strategic planning. 

Doug also served as President & CEO of the Florida Ports Council (FPC), a nonprofit corporation that serves as the professional association for Florida’s 15 public deep-water seaports and their management. During his more than 10 years leading the Council, he facilitated increases in infrastructure funding for seaports, led multiple international trade missions to expand Florida’s presence globally, and grew the global brand and advocacy efforts of Florida’s seaports. 

Doug has more than 25 years of governmental affairs and association leadership at both the state and federal levels. He has also previously served as Vice President with the Florida Chamber of Commerce where under Doug’s leadership and management of the Florida Chamber’s federation of businesses, associations, and local chambers of commerce – encompassing more than 130,000 grassroots members – the Chamber worked aggressively and effectively to represent the free-market interests of Florida’s business community. 

“With Doug’s expertise, strong character, and motivation, I know he will make a great addition to the JMI team. I look forward to witnessing all that he will accomplish for freedom in Florida.” — Logan Padgett, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, The James Madison Institute 

Doug serves as an Executive Committee and Board Member of the Economic Club of Florida; Board member of the Network of Entrepreneurs & Business Advocates; Is a graduate of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship – Small Business Executive Program; and a Leon County Honorary Sheriff’s Deputy.

Doug is a graduate of The Florida State University with a degree in Political Science, with an emphasis in Political Communications and currently lives in Tallahassee, Florida with his wife Ami and their two children.

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The James Madison Institute is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the ideals of limited government, economic freedom, federalism and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility. The institute conducts research on such issues as criminal justice, health care, taxes and regulatory environments.