Policy Team
Meet HCAF’s policy team, a dedicated group of professionals with decades of experience advocating for the Florida home care provider community. From influencing policy in the Florida Capitol to shaping federal legislation in Washington, D.C., our team works to ensure that the voices of home care providers are heard and their priorities advanced.
HCAF’s team includes full-time lobbyists and expert consultants, strengthened by a partnership with Continental Strategy, a leading government relations firm. Together, we tackle a wide range of issues, driving favorable policies and regulations that benefit providers and their patients/clients.
Get Involved or Request Assistance
Whether you’re looking to participate in advocacy initiatives, need access to resources, or require support with a policy issue, the HCAF policy team is here to help.
For more information, please contact Kyle Simon, Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy & Communications, at ksimon@homecarefla.org or (850) 222-8967.
Ambassador Carlos Trujillo (Retired)
President and Founder, Continental Strategy
After being appointed by former President Donald J. Trump to serve as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Trujillo was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate and served as Ambassador from March 30, 2018, until January 20, 2021. During his time at the OAS, Trujillo served as Chair of the Permanent Council, Budget Committee, and the Economic Development Committee. He also led the effort to re-elect Secretary General Luis Almagro.
Trujillo also was appointed by President Trump and served as a Representative of the United States to the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations under former Ambassador Nikki Haley and was nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere. Trujillo, a native Spanish speaker, is known for his strong ties to the Hispanic community, legal acumen and leadership, and has a wealth of knowledge and connections in Latin American politics.
Prior to serving as Ambassador, Trujillo was elected as State Representative for the 105th District in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Florida House Appropriations Committee, he appropriated and oversaw an $83.5 billion budget. He also chaired the Economic Development Subcommittee and the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.
Trujillo was a Founding Partner of Trujillo, Vargas, Gonzalez and Hevia LLP, based in Coral Gables. Under his leadership, the firm grew to more than 50 employees and generated over $10 million in annual revenue. Previously, Trujillo served as Assistant State Attorney in the Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office (2007-2011), where he served as a training attorney and felony prosecutor.
He currently serves as a member and manager of multiple real-estate holding companies in Coral Gables, and has also served as a Board Member on the Public Health Trust of Jackson Memorial Hospital (2015–2016) and as a member of the Electoral College in 2016.
Trujillo earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Spring Hill College (2004) and a J.D. from Florida State University College of Law (2007). He is an active member of the Florida Bar since 2007 and received an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is married to Carmen Maria Mir and they have four children: Carlos, Isabella, Juan Pablo, and Felipe.
James Card
Principal, Continental Strategy
Jimmy Card is the Principal of Continental Strategy and has over 20 years of experience as a lobbyist. Primarily focused on health care with an extensive background in the managed care industry, Jimmy has successfully navigated the complex health care landscape and advocated for the interests of his clients at both the federal and state levels.
Prior to joining the lobbying industry, Jimmy worked on multiple political campaigns and served as a legislative staff member to several members in the House and Senate. This experience provided him with an in-depth understanding of the legislative process and the inner workings of government, allowing him to effectively advocate for his clients’ interests. He has developed strong relationships with legislators and Florida’s regulatory agencies, providing his clients with a deep understanding of the policies and regulations unique to each client.
Throughout his career, Jimmy has established a reputation for his strategic thinking, unparalleled work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his clients’ success. His expertise and advocacy have helped shape policies at both the federal and state levels, and he continues to be a trusted advisor to his clients in navigating the ever-changing political and regulatory landscape.
In addition to his extensive experience in lobbying and government affairs, Jimmy is also a proud owner of Epic Bikes, a popular bike shop located in Tallahassee. Jimmy’s experience as a small business owner provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by his clients, particularly in navigating complex regulatory environments and managing costs. His understanding of the interplay between government policy and business operations allows him to provide his clients with strategic advice that considers both their financial and regulatory objectives.
Through his work at both his lobbying firm and bike shop, Jimmy has established himself as a respected leader in the Tallahassee community. His dedication to his clients, his community, and his passion for cycling continue to drive him in all of his endeavors.
Gangul Gabadage
Director, Continental Strategy
Gangul Gabadage is a Director at Continental Strategy, where he combines his legislative expertise and deep healthcare knowledge to drive positive change. Gangul’s career in health care policy began with his involvement at the Florida Department of Health, serving in several capacities that allowed him to advance into his pivotal role as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. In that role, he played a crucial role in shaping and implementing health care policies and initiatives that directly improved the health and well-being of Florida’s residents.
His legislative experience spans beyond state boundaries, having served in both chambers of the U.S. Congress. He was a key resource for lawmakers in Washington, D.C., playing significant roles in supporting Senator Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Before his federal positions, Gangul gained valuable insights into state-level policymaking as legislative staff in the Florida Senate. This experience, combined with his deep understanding of both state and federal legislative processes, has provided him with a unique perspective on the complexities of policy.
His commitment to improving health care access, quality, and affordability, alongside his legislative expertise, has earned him recognition as a leader in health care policy. His dedication to creating effective healthcare solutions continues to benefit communities, organizations, and individuals alike.
Gangul holds a degree in International Affairs and Political Science from Florida State University.