KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Alexis A. Lambert – Secretary
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Alexis A. Lambert was appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by Governor Ron DeSantis on Nov. 7, 2024. With nearly 20 years of public service experience and a strong commitment to natural resource protection, Alexis brings extensive knowledge and proven leadership to the department.
Most recently, Alexis served as the Chief of Staff for the Florida Division of Bond Finance, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing the issuance of bonds for state agencies and authorities. The proceeds of these bonds finance many of the state’s environmental priorities, including conservation and recreation land acquisitions, pollution control facilities and water management projects.
Before joining the Division, Alexis was Chief of Staff at the Florida Department of Health, where she helped direct the day-to-day operations and strategic planning for an agency with approximately 15,000 employees statewide.
Alexis began her career in the communications field, serving as the lead spokesperson for several state agencies, including the Department of Children and Families, Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.
Known for her ability to foster collaboration, Alexis has built a reputation for bringing diverse groups together to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals. She is committed to continuing this approach in her role as DEP Secretary, prioritizing partnerships that advance environmental stewardship and sustainability.
A Tallahassee native, Alexis holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Mercer University. She and her husband Matt have two daughters, Georgia and Evelyn.
CONFERENCE MODERATOR
Frank Walker – Executive Vice President of Government and Political Relations
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Frank Walker serves as Executive Vice President of Government and Political Relations of Florida’s largest and most influential business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Frank manages the development and strategic implementation of the Chamber’s annual legislative agenda, the Florida Business Agenda, and leads the Chamber’s team of 20 lobbyists. He also oversees the Chamber’s extensive political operations.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Frank spent nearly 11 years in Washington, D.C. serving two Members of Congress, two U.S. Senators and a sitting Governor. Having most recently served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Daniel Webster, Walker also held key policy and leadership positions with former Senator George LeMieux, Representative Dave Reichert, and former Senator Mel Martinez.
Frank’s policy work included advising Members on energy and natural resources, environment, agriculture and transportation. He also brings an understanding of congressional parliamentary procedure after serving as an Associate to the House Rules Committee.
Additionally, Frank has served on multiple successful congressional campaigns, including campaigns for Webster, Reichert, former Representative Steve Southerland and U.S. Senator Bob Corker.
Frank was raised in Tallahassee, Florida, where he went to Maclay School. He graduated from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, with a B.A. in History and a scratch handicap. After college he moved to Kanazawa, Japan to teach English through the Japanese Exchange Teaching (JET) program before returning home and heading to our nation’s capital.
Frank and his wife, Katie, reside in Tallahassee with their two daughters.