Guest Speaker: Bill Herrle, Florida Executive Director, NFIB

Bill Herrle, Florida executive director for the National Federation of Independent Business, will be the guest speaker for Pensacola LEAD-ers on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. NFIB is Florida's and the nation's leading small-business advocacy group. Herrle manages NFIB's state operations in Florida to include its lobbying, member support, and statewide political and media functions.

Herrle, who was NFIB/Florida's state director from 1990-2001, rejoined NFIB in March 2007. From 2001-07, he served as vice president of governmental affairs and political action for the Florida Retail Federation, where he lobbied effectively and successfully grew their political efforts.

Herrle is a recognized leader in Tallahassee with a highly impressive track record. Before his work at the Retail Federation and NFIB, Herrle served as communications director for Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects and account manager for Executive Management Services, an association management and lobbying firm.

Herrle is a graduate of Penn State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in political science.