NELSON DIAZ

Nelson began his political career as a volunteer in the 1996 presidential campaign, where he and other young leaders, including current U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, State Senator Anitere Flores, and former Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez Cantera, worked to build a strong Republican Party base in South Florida. Since then, Nelson has worked on numerous political campaigns at every level, from presidential and U.S. Senate races to state races for governor, cabinet offices, Florida Senate and House of Representatives, as well as local campaigns for county commission, city council, and mayor. He also served as a chief legislative aide to Marco Rubio when he was Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. As a result of Nelson’s service with Senator Rubio and his involvement in political campaigns, he has established an extensive network of contacts in Miami-Dade County and within the Florida Legislature.

DAVID SHEPP

David Shepp joined The Southern Group’s Tampa Bay office in 2015. David provides services to businesses, economic development entities, educational institutions, local governments, national companies, and statewide trade associations. Activities include legislative and agency monitoring and advocacy, research and analysis, resource development, and strategic communications.

David began his Florida political career in 1996 as a legislative assistant, learning the intricacies of the Florida legislature and building relationships in Polk County and Tallahassee. In 2000, he managed former Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam’s victorious congressional campaign. Between then and now, he led Florida Strategic Group, a full-service government affairs consulting firm, for 14 years, securing tens of millions of dollars in the Florida budget for his clients.

David continues to work closely with the central and southwest Florida legislative delegations and enjoys strong relationships with leaders at every level of the legislative committee structure, as well as the staff behind the scenes of public policymaking.

In 2018, David received a commendation from Sheriff Grady Judd for the successful passage of the guardian program element of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. David has also been recognized as Best State Lobbyist by the National Independent Electrical Contractors Association. Currently, David serves on the Central Florida Development Council Board of Directors, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Business Voice, and the Peace River Center Advisory Board.

KATE DELOACH

Kate served for six years as a district and legislative aide to State Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo), which gave her invaluable experience navigating the legislative process and addressing policy and appropriations issues across a broad array of topics.

Kate’s time in government also gave her the opportunity to build strong relationships with individuals and organizations at the local, state, and federal levels, in both South Florida and Tallahassee.

Kate serves on the board of numerous local organizations, including the Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation, the Florida Keys Hurricane Recovery Foundation, the Good Health Clinic, and the Monroe County Historic Preservation Commission. She is also a graduate of Leadership Monroe County and College Leadership Florida.

OLIVIA VAIRO

Olivia Vairo brings a wealth of experience in agricultural policy, legislative advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and political fundraising to her role at The Southern Group’s Miami office.

Before joining the firm, Olivia served as the Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, where she was deeply involved in shaping both state and federal policy. At the state level, she played a key role in advancing the organization’s annual legislative priorities in Tallahassee—working closely with lawmakers, agency officials, and advocacy partners to support Florida’s agricultural community. Olivia built strong, trusted relationships with members of the Florida Legislature and became a familiar and effective presence at the Capitol, known for her ability to navigate the legislative process and build consensus on complex issues.

On the federal side, she led efforts to advance key priorities, including the Farm Bill, collaborating with congressional offices, federal agencies, and national agriculture coalitions. Olivia championed Florida’s diverse agricultural interests in Washington, advocating for crop insurance, labor and workforce solutions, appropriations, disaster relief, trade, specialty crops, pesticide regulation, conservation, and grant programs.

She collaborated closely with the American Farm Bureau Federation and other state Farm Bureaus to develop unified policy positions and led Capitol Hill visits that brought Florida farmers face-to-face with lawmakers and key decision-makers. Her leadership in federal affairs helped elevate Florida’s profile in national agricultural policy discussions.

In addition to her policy work, Olivia directed fundraising for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Federal Political Action Committee, expanding its network of supporters and amplifying its political reach.

Olivia earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University. Over the course of her career, she has built lasting relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, and community advocates throughout Florida, Washington, D.C., and beyond, relationships she continues to draw on in her work today.

Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Olivia now resides in Miami.