Campus Life

Mark Kaplan named UF vice president for government and community relations

University of Florida President Kent Fuchs announced today that, following a national search, Mark Kaplan has been selected as the university’s new vice president for government and community relations. Kaplan, who has worked in government and community relations at the state, national and local levels over the course of his career, will join UF on June 7.

“Feedback that emerged from this national search indicated an appreciation for Mark’s collaborative and effective work as demonstrated in a range of settings—public, private and nonprofit,” Fuchs said. “I know he will be a wonderful asset to our university.”

Kaplan’s experience includes serving as the senior vice president for public affairs for the Mosaic Company, a Fortune 250 company. Prior to joining Mosaic, Kaplan served as chief of staff to Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, directing the executive office’s day-to-day operations, developing and implementing strategic programs and initiatives, handling crisis management and overseeing coordination of 23 state agencies. He has also served as president and general counsel for the Carlisle Development Group LLC, a developer of affordable multifamily rental housing, and as executive director of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, which sets affordable housing policy and finances development and purchases statewide.

Kaplan graduated with highest honors from the Florida State University College of Law and earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in political science from the University of Florida. He is the current chair of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society.

Angie Brown Author
May 21, 2018