John Hinchee named new director of government relations at UF/IFAS

Press release from UF/IFAS

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – John Hinchee has been selected as the new director of government relations for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

Hinchee comes to UF/IFAS with more than a decade of experience in the state legislative process, including service as policy advisor to Florida Senate President Ben Albritton and the two years before that as a policy analyst in the Florida Senate Majority Office. As principal advisor on agricultural policy to the Senate president, he worked with the agricultural community across the state to identify legislative needs and develop solutions that work for Floridians.

“John’s relationships in Tallahassee and his expertise in the legislative process will make him an effective advocate for UF/IFAS,” said Scott Angle, UF’s senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS. “Because of the people he knows, he has instant credibility as he speaks on our behalf. With his experience crafting and advancing legislation, he’ll be a superior strategist and a master of the how-to in advancing our mission.”

“John will be a great asset to the University of Florida and IFAS. His experience and knowledge of the Florida legislative process is exceptional. He will quickly become a valuable member of the Gator team,” said Senate President Ben Albritton.

He grew up in Umatilla, Florida, and is a double Gator, holding two UF degrees that integrate agriculture and public service. He has a UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences degree in environmental science from the UF/IFAS School of Natural Resources and Environment and a political science degree, along with a master’s degree in political science from Florida State University. 

Hinchee’s first professional experiences after graduation included work in the Ocala National Forest with the U.S. Forest Service, helping solidify his appreciation and interest for Florida’s natural resources and environment.

Though he has a great passion for Florida’s natural resources, he realized a need to better understand the human connection necessary for advocacy. His journey to understand the political system came through grassroots political campaigns and working his way up through the Florida Legislature, supporting several legislators in both the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate.

“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have worked with so many amazing people over the years in the Florida Legislature who have taught me how meaningful change is made at the state level,” said Hinchee. “I am very excited to bring my skills and knowledge to UF/IFAS and am looking forward to working with such a world-class team for the benefit of our state.”

He will serve as the UF/IFAS voice and advocate in Tallahassee effective Sept. 15, 2026.