It’s official: Jim Boxold resigns as state Transportation secretary

Gov. Rick Scott Monday officially announced the resignation of state Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold after FloridaPolitics.com broke the story of his departure last Friday night.

Boxold’s resignation is effective Feb. 3, the governor said in a statement. Rachel Cone, who is now Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, will serve as interim secretary.

Later Monday, the governmental affairs firm Capital City Consulting also confirmed he was joining the team.

“Jim Boxold has done a great job leading FDOT and I want to thank him for his hard work as we have continued to make critical investments in Florida’s transportation infrastructure,” Scott said.

“Under his leadership, Florida has been a leader in transportation and made great improvements in our seaports, bridges and airports,” he added. “His dedication to our state has helped ensure we have a world-class transportation system that supports continued economic growth and job creation. I am truly proud of all the good work Jim has done and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

FloridaPolitics.com reported on Friday that, according to well-placed sources, Boxold had accepted an offer to join the governmental affairs firm Capital City Consulting. (The governor’s statement did not mention where Boxold was going.)

Boxold, a former DOT chief of staff, was appointed to lead the agency in December 2014 to succeed Ananth Prasad.

He’s one of two high-profile departures from the Scott administration in recent days: DEP Secretary Jon Steverson turned in his resignation on Friday.

Prior to his time at the DOT, Boxold served a decade as Director of Cabinet Affairs for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, now led by Adam Putnam.

Before that, Boxold was Deputy Director of Cabinet Affairs for Gov. Jeb Bush. He also served as legislative affairs director for U.S. Rep. Porter J. Goss in 1995-2001.

“Jim has served the State of Florida with distinction and has overseen major seaport expansions, significant upgrades to our interstates and roadways, and the infusion of new technologies that has forever changed traditional transportation models,” said Ron LaFace, partner at Capital City Consulting. “We are excited and honored that Jim will bring his knowledge and experience to assist Capital City Consulting’s clients.”

Added Nick Iarossi, partner at Capital City Consulting: “Jim is one of the most intelligent and respected members in state government. We expect his experience at the Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture will help us better serve our clients and lead to strong growth areas for the firm.”

Boxold said he “really enjoyed my time in state government and most recently being part of Governor Scott’s hard working team, (but) I now look forward to using my experience to help Capital City Consulting provide unmatched service and results for its clients.”

A graduate of The George Washington University in 1995, he and his family live in Tallahassee.