Government Affairs Committee (GAC)
The Committee's Purpose...
Many Members argue that the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is the most important thing that the FPA does.
Whether you study the History of Associations or review Our History, the origination of FPA and the Association model is clear – for professionals and businesses to band together to advocate for themselves, the profession, and the industry. The purpose for associating, and the FPA, they would argue, is to defend the profession and industry from governmental attack and encroachment. One unarguable fact is that FPA was founded for Members to stand united for Advocacy and Government Affairs.
The GAC meets with legislators, elected officials, regulators, and their staffs regularly plus assists the Student Affairs Council in planning, organizing, and managing Legislative Days on Capitol Hill in Tallahassee and the associated Health Fair.
Advocacy is one of FPA's pillar, upon which the entire Association is built: Advocacy. Education. Governance, Membership. Sustainability.
Is This Committee Right for You...
If you are a Political Wonk that enjoys discussing legislation and the legislature, politics, elections, culture, and the direction Florida is heading; then ABSOLUTELY!
What if you're not? Two points to consider. First, just because you don't care about politics, doesn't mean politics doesn't care about you - and your wallet! - and your profession! So, are you going to stand back to let politics happen to you; or, will you make your voice and opinions known? Second, maybe this is the time to step outside of your comfort zone. Try something new. Learn something new. Grow. Experience.
Click Below
to Join the Committee
Interest List!
** Although Members can sign up for as many Council and Committee Interest Lists as you choose, Board Policy limits all Members to serving on only one Council or Committee at a time, unless specially appointed to another by the President.
Because of the high demand, if your name is on a Council or Committee Interest List and you decline to join that Council or Committee when invited, you move to the bottom of ALL Council and Committee Interest Lists.
Thus, only add your name to the Council and / or Committee Interest List(s) on which you truly would like to serve.
Government Affairs Committee Chair
Benjamin "Ben" Levene
The Committee Chair is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Committee. Though a Committee Chair may appoint Committee Members to oversee particular tasks or certain events; all tasks, events, and responsibilities of the Committee ultimately are the responsibility of the Committee Chair.
Committee Chairs also prepare all meeting agendas, run all meetings, manage the annual Committee budget, and ensure that all Committee responsibilities are being addressed and fulfilled.
The position of Committee Chair is considered a high honor in the FPA and is thus considered an FPA Leader.
Committee Vice Chairs perform the role of Secretary (take minutes of the meetings) and assist the Chair or run the meeting in the Chair's absence. The Vice Chair is heir-apparent to the Council or Committee; meaning, if they do a good job and work hard, they will likely be the Chair of that Council or Committee the following Association year, as appointed by the then President-Elect.
Aneesh Lakhani, PharmD
FPA President
Currently Vacant
Vice Chair
Christian D. Malesic, MBA, CAE, CMP, IOM
EVP / CEO
Staff Liaison