Vice President -
State and Community Relations
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Charles O. "Chuck" Hinson is Vice President of State and Community Relations at Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. He manages state governmental affairs, local community and governmental affairs, and franchise renewals for TECO Energy’s electric and natural gas utilities. His team works closely with Marketing, Wholesale Power and Fuels Management, Electric and Gas Delivery, and Energy Supply at Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. Most recently, Chuck was TECO Energy's Vice President of Governmental Affairs, and will continue to represent TECO Energy at the state level.
Hinson joined TECO Energy in 1994 as Director of State Governmental Affairs, and was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 1998 and Vice President in 2000. Previously, Hinson served as Director of State Governmental Affairs of Florida for Centel/Sprint Corp. from 1988-94, and Director of State Governmental Affairs for the Florida Dental Association from1980-88.
From 1979-80, Hinson served as an aide to then-Gov. Bob Graham as a liaison with several state agencies and as a member of the crisis management team. From 1977-79, Hinson was a communications specialist/policy analyst with the Florida Energy Office.
Hinson earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of West Florida.
Hinson serves on the boards of the Associated Industries of Florida, TaxWatch , and the Tampa Bay Political Leadership institute. He also chairs the Associated Industries PAC. From 1990 to 2000, Hinson served on the board of directors of Keep Florida Beautiful, the final year as chairman. He also served on the board of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists from 2003 to 2010. Hinson also was active in youth soccer organizations from 1995-2008.
Hinson resides in both Tallahassee and Tampa, and has a college-age son.
