[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MARC ESPESO AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                       DURING LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Marc Espeso is a dedicated public servant, 
skilled communicator, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Since his 
appointment in August 2019, he has served as special assistant to 
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. In addition, he holds the role of 
digital communications manager for the county. This dual position 
provides him with a unique perspective that combines executive insight 
with hands-on communication strategy.
  Mr. Espeso values efficient and effective communication to Orange 
County's 1.5 million residents and 75 million annual visitors. In his 
first year as special assistant, he played a key role in disseminating 
critical health and safety information during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 
leveraging partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies, he 
ensured accurate and accessible updates reached LGBTQ+ residents, 
visitors, and the broader public across the county.
  His experience in crisis communication has been an asset to the 
county's Emergency Operations Center. He has contributed to the 
development of award-winning communication plans that delivered life-
saving information to residents before, during, and after major storms 
that impacted Central Florida, including Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 
2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024.
  In addition to promoting county programs and services that can 
benefit LGBTQ+ residents, Mr. Espeso has helped highlight the region's 
tourism and hospitality industry. When organizations consider where to 
host events that will ultimately benefit the local economy, he 
effectively highlights Orange County's ongoing commitment to fostering 
an environment where all individuals and businesses are treated with 
dignity and respect.
  Beyond his government service, Mr. Espeso serves as vice president of 
the Board of Directors at the LGBT+ Center Orlando. Since 2021, he has 
helped fundraise to advance the Center's mission of empowering the 
LGBTQ+ community and its allies through advocacy, education, 
information, and support.

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