R.Z. “Sandy” Safley

safley@sostrategy.com
Tallahassee, FL

R.Z. “Sandy” Safley’s career, which includes both the public and private sectors in Florida, uniquely positions him to represent clients on issues related to insurance and regulatory matters, transactions, company creation, capital formation, and banking and financial services before the executive and legislative branches of Florida government and the Florida Cabinet.  In 1988, Sandy was elected to the Florida House of Representatives representing parts of Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties for five terms.  During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Sandy served as Chairman of the House Committee of Financial Services (Insurance, Banking, and Securities), Policy Chairman of the House Republican Caucus, and Chairman of the Subcommittee of Banking and Corporations, the Natural Resources Committee, and others.

Sandy was honored numerous times with awards for his work and passage of critical legislation affecting Florida’s water policy and management, as well as the landmark land acquisition program Preservation 2000.  Sandy also served on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL).

In the private sector, Sandy has served as President of a residential and commercial development company, and President of a consulting firm representing national financial service and reinsurance companies, as well as domestic insurance companies.

Sandy has served on numerous civic boards and currently is a board member of the Federal Alliance for Safe Home (FLASH), and is past Chairman and Vice Chairman of Babcock Ranch, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation created by the State of Florida to oversee a 73,000 acre parcel of land that the state purchased along with Lee and Charlotte Counties to preserve as a working ranch and environmental center.  Sandy also served as a member and Vice Chairman of the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission.

Sandy earned his Bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.