TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 7, 2019) – Fisher Phillips partner Charles Caulkins has been elected Chairman of the Board for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. This is the highest-ranking elected leadership position within the Florida Chamber.
"Charles Caulkins is the right leader to help us unite Florida's business community as it grows from the 17th largest economy in the world to the 10th largest on the planet," said Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce. "Charles is a leader in his profession and among Florida's business community, and he's passionate about securing Florida's future through free enterprise."
Charles' two-year term as the Chair runs from November 1, 2019, through October 31, 2021. He replaces outgoing Chair Bob Grammig, Partner at Holland & Knight, LLP.
In this volunteer position, Charles will work closely with Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson and business leaders from across Florida to advocate the Florida Business Agenda, implement a new six-year Strategic Plan, and work to make Florida more competitive. Charles has been a member of the Florida Chamber's Board of Directors for 10 years.
"It's an honor to serve as chairman of such a vital organization to Florida's future. I hope to help the Chamber determine priorities and implement strategies for connecting, enriching and expanding our mission to unite with business leaders who believe in free enterprise principles, who have Florida's long-term future in mind and who want to actively help secure the state's future. As we move forward with these ideals, we will be steadfast in our goal to always be inclusive and to be a strong advocate for businesses across the state."
At Fisher Phillips, Charles represents employers nationally in labor and employment law matters. He advises employers on the development and implementation of preventive labor relations programs, including management education and training, to avoid charges and lawsuits, protect trade secrets and resolve disputes. Charles is routinely recognized as a trailblazer in his field. He has been listed as a top Labor and Employment Lawyer by Chambers USA since 2003, included in The Best Lawyers in America since 2006, named Lawyer of the Year for Employment Law – Management by Best Lawyers in 2017 and 2019, and has been included in HR Executive's list of "Most Powerful Employment Attorneys" since 2010.
In addition to his involvement with the Florida Chamber, Charles has served as the Chairman of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. He is a founding member and past president of the Academy of Florida Management Attorneys, and served as Chair of the Broward Workshop, a nonprofit business organization comprised of chief decision makers representing 100 of Broward County's major businesses and professions.
Charles is admitted to practice in Florida, South Carolina, and Kansas. He earned his LL.M. in Labor Law from New York University School of Law, his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law, and a B.A. from Monmouth College.
About the Florida Chamber
Established in 1916 as Florida's first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state's largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as crucial to secure Florida's future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Florida Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FLChamber.com for more information.