Derick Tabertshofer

By Ryan Nicol

Derick Tabertshofer, the Legislative Liaison for Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Florida, took that role after working for several lawmakers in the Legislature. It’s safe to say his career in The Process is prospering, landing him on this year’s list of Rising Stars.

A Cape Coral native, Tabertshofer eventually moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida (USF). He describes his parents as “apolitical,” but recalled that his grandparents talked politics with him “every chance they got.”

“I truly got involved in politics when I moved to Tampa to attend USF,” Tabertshofer said. “I never thought I would get involved in politics and it sort of fell into my lap. While attending USF I had the opportunity to volunteer on a campaign and volunteering eventually turned into a full-time job as a legislative aide.”

His first job was working with former Rep. Shawn Harrison. He later worked for then-Rep. Manny Díaz, now the state’s Education Commissioner, where he met Danny Martinez, now his colleague at AFP-Florida.

Martinez calls Tabertshofer’s feedback “invaluable” to his own productivity when Martinez joined AFP-Florida. Martinez said Tabertshofer’s success stems from his ability to lobby for a policy, but not come off as a “traditional lobbyist.”

“He is a natural policy wonk and has the passion and vision to be our best resource in Florida,” Martinez said. “Our Florida team is better right now with Derick and he is using his talent to make others better.”

Tabertshofer also worked under current Rep. Traci Koster. And that experi- ence in the Legislature was critical to Tabertshofer’s later success.

“The political process is very complex,” he explained, “and I am thankful to have had the opportunities that I did that gave me the ability to be where I am today.”

That job with Rep. Koster is where AFP-Florida State Director Skylar Zander first crossed paths with Tabertshofer, and Zander has welcomed Tabertshofer to the team.

“Derick’s steadfast dedication to our craft is rivaled by hardly anyone I’ve ever worked with; he’s hardworking and dedicated to getting the job done,” Zander said. “He has increased our ability to understand key pieces of policy and has put us in a position to successfully advocate our position.”

Tabertshofer is slated to take on major responsibilities heading into the next campaign cycle.

“Derick is also going to be a major factor on ideas and strategy for our 2024 Session and action cycle,” Martinez said. “He truly enjoys the legislative and campaign process and puts in the effort that our organization thrives on.”

As Tabertshofer has gone from an apolitical family to a dedicated member of The Process, he said noble