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FOURTH FLOOR>FILES various industries, including health care, hospitality, and tourism. Lobbyists are often accused of wearing Gucci loafers; do you own a pair of Gucci loafers? If not, why not? No Gucci loafers or Gucci heels for that matter … However, if I do decide to splurge, my weakness is on a good bag. Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corp reporter and why? I don’t have one favorite, I tend to follow and read them all. Other than SaintPetersBlog.com, your reading list includes … POLITICO Florida, Sayfie, Texas Tribune — and associated news clippings. If I’ve had my fill of political news, I will typically grab novels from the best seller list. I wish I had more time to read — it is one of my favorite things to do! What swear word do you use most often? I seldom swear when I am around others … However, if I do, it will tend to be situationally specific so my choice will vary (and most likely when I am driving). What is your most treasured possession? My family. The best hotel in Florida is … My favorite spot in Florida is North Capitva Island. Can only get there by boat and once there, you feel completely separate from the rest of the world (and the Florida mainland!) You’ve just learned that you will be hosting a morning talk show about Florida politics. Who are the first four guests you’d invite to appear? Gov. Rick Scott and former Florida governors Jeb Bush, Charlie Crist, and Bob Martinez. If you could have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be? Amelia Earhart. I would love to find out what gave her the drive and fearlessness to push herself to do something no other woman had done before in such an untested and dangerous field. That type of drive and ambition is inspiring. Favorite movie? Favorite TV show? “Steel Magnolias.” By far “VEEP” — it literally makes me laugh out loud. When you pig out, what do you eat? Any authentic Cajun food, which I can’t find enough of in Florida. SUMMER/FALL 2016 INFLUENCE | 61 Beth Thibodaux Significant other? Children? Grandkids? Married to Kory Thibodaux for 16 years. I have the best of both worlds — son, Drew, 12, and daughter, Kaitlyn, 9. Also have an 18-month-old yellow lab, Boudreaux. In 25 words or less, explain what you do. While day-to-day can be very different, generally I am a problem solver. I look for solutions both proactively (and sometimes reactively) to clear away hurdles and help our business succeed. Without using the words Democrat, Independent or Republican, conservative or liberal, describe your political persuasion. From an economic perspective, I believe it is key for government to create an environment where businesses grow and prosper. I also believe in personal responsibility and government’s role to support the private sector to provide resources and assistance to those in need. If you have one, what is your motto? I don’t have a motto, but my grandmother always said that “The squeaky wheel gets the oil” and that has resonated with me and as a lobbyist; it probably rings true. During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client? I have always been on the corporate side of government relations, but have utilized my skills through board service with not-for-profit entities to provide guidance by navigating through challenging legislative/ regulatory processes. Three favorite charities. SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Canine Companions for Independence, and Healthy Start. Any last-day-of-Session traditions? Hopefully my issues are wrapped up before the last day and I’m back in Orlando! If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be … I’m pretty happy where I am. Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud? It is hard to single out one example, however I am proud that I have had the opportunity to build my career in Orlando over the past 17 years and have worked for leading companies within THE ‘SQUEAKY WHEEL’ AND PROBLEM SOLVER FOR SEA WORLD AND NONPROFITS PHOTO: Daniel Reinecke


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