Gary L. Sasso

President & CEO, Carlton Fields, Tampa

Carlton Fields, which specializes in business and litigation matters, was founded in Tampa in 1901 and has offices in six states and Washington, D.C. Sasso, a Miami native, joined the firm in 1987 following a stint in the nation’s capital, where he clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White. He has served as president and CEO of the firm since 2006. He chairs the Florida Council of 100’s Economic Competitiveness Committee and recently completed a seven-year term as chair of Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania (BS), University of Pennsylvania (JD)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Growing high-wage jobs and strengthening and diversifying the economy, including improving critical infrastructure.

READING: Masters and Commanders, by Andrew Roberts

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Gov. Bob Martinez. A great leader, a great man and a great friend.