State Board of Education Members
Ben Gibson has been an active member of the State Board of Education since 2017 having been twice appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. He is a partner with the statewide law firm of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is managing partner of the Tallahassee office and a member of the Governmental Law practice section. Ben’s law practice focuses on representing corporate, political, and government clients in appellate, litigation, and administrative matters.
Ben was born and raised in Florida and is a product of Florida public schools graduating from Winter Park High School, earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and obtaining his law degree from Florida State College of Law. Growing up the son of two licensed mental health counselors, Ben is passionate about ensuring that the mental health needs of Florida’s students are a top priority. He believes that every student should have the same opportunity to learn and parents should have meaningful educational choices and input regarding their child’s education regardless of where they live in Florida or their family’s economic situation. He is a strong advocate for empowering parents to make the best educational choices for their children.
Ben served as general counsel to Florida Governor-elect Ron DeSantis’ Transition Team, advising the new administration on legal issues and Supreme Court judicial appointments. In addition to his private sector experience, Ben has been involved in public service having served as the Deputy General Counsel and an Assistant General Counsel to Governor Rick Scott for nearly five years. In those roles, he provided legal counsel to the Executive Office of the Governor and oversaw all high-profile litigation and legal policy issues at numerous executive branch agencies including the Department of Education. Ben has also served as an attorney with the Florida House of Representatives in the Office of the General Counsel advising the Speaker of the House and with the House Community & Military Affairs Subcommittee focusing on growth management issues.
Ben resides in Tallahassee with his wife and three children.
Contact Chair, Ben Gibson at Ben.Gibson@fldoe.org.