Our Executive Team
Yvette Behmer
Yvette Behmer is the Project and Client Manager for Sunrise Consulting Group, Inc., with a strong background in business development and project coordination. Prior to joining the team at Sunrise Consulting Group, she was the Business Development Coordinator for a prestigious Law Firm in the Tampa Bay area for over 18 years, filling a number of positions with the firm over the years. Prior to that, she worked extensively in the banking and insurance industries.
Yvette has been married for 38 years to her high school sweetheart, Don, and they are blessed with three children, two grandchildren, and the family dog, Lucy. She is never shy about sharing her love for Jesus and believes it is always better to give than receive.
Yvette is a Rotarian, a past Chapter President of the BNI Alliance of Wesley Chapel, enjoys serving as an Emcee at charity events, and is one of the host for the RPOP Elephants' In The Room Show with Sandy Graves. She also serves as the Community Events Coordinator and a Board Member of the Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Community Foundation whose mission is to assist Veterans, First Responders, Single Parents & Children in the local area. Yvette loves to have fun and enjoys people.
State Committeewoman: Sandy Graves
Pasco State Committeewoman Sandy Graves
State Committeeman: Shawn Foster
Shawn Foster brought a wealth of political and government experience when he started Sunrise Consulting Group 20 years ago. Having worked inside the state and federal echelons of government for over 20 years, Shawn has built unique relationships and gained powerful knowledge to achieve success for his clients.
Shawn began his political and government career in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Shawn was the student body President and graduated from USF-Sarasota. Shawn started in the legislative process working for a State Representative in Sarasota County.
Shawn served as Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ District Director for six years. This experience allowed Shawn to become well acquainted with not only the numerous issues being debated in Washington, but also the opportunity to become engrained in the issues facing the State of Florida.
Prior to working for Congressman Bilirakis, Shawn served as a Senior Legislative Aide for State Senator Mike Fasano. In addition to his work inside government, Shawn has an astute political background, as he has managed and consulted on numerous political campaigns over the past 20 years.
Shawn started lobbying in 2006 and was previously the Managing Partner for the Tampa Bay office of the Southern Strategy Group. He is well versed in the political efforts of both the private and public sectors.
Shawn has assisted several state associations in the past 10 years. He is the current Executive Director of the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine. Prior to that, Shawn served as the Assistant Executive Director for two years and was the exhibit coordinator. Shawn has also been a consultant for the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Florida Blueberry Festival Association, Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities, Florida Solar Energy Industries Association, the Florida Schools Boards Association, and the Florida Bail Agents Association.
Shawn has worked with and represented the Florida Bail Agents Association (FBAA) for the past seven years. During his tenure helping the FBAA and other various associations, Shawn generally works and assists on various issues ranging from legislative lobbying to association development and growth. During his time with the FBAA, Shawn has continually assisted the President, the Board, and the Association as a whole to advance association growth, coordinate quarterly meetings and secure speakers, promote marketing and membership expansion, obtain sponsorships and fundraising, and provide counsel on association business. There are very few issues that would arise that Shawn has not had some experience with.
Chairman: James Mallo
Call to Action from the Chairman of the Republican Party of Pasco
Dear Fellow Republicans,
As we approach the pivotal 2024 general election, we stand at a crossroads for our great nation. History has shown us that our efforts can and do make a difference. As President Ronald Reagan once said, “The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally, not a 20 percent traitor.” It’s time for us to unite and come together as allies in our fight for liberty, prosperity, and the American dream.
The Biden-Harris administration has caused significant damage to our country. From economic challenges to attacks on our values, we cannot afford to stand by and watch. The stakes have never been higher, and we must leverage every appropriate tool at our disposal to ensure Republican victory.
We urgently need volunteers to join our grassroots efforts! Here’s how you can help:
Knock on Doors: Connect with our community and share our vision for a better future.
Make Calls: Reach out to potential voters and inform them about our candidates and their commitments.
Sign Wave: Stand out and show your support for Republicans in Pasco.
Place Campaign Signs: Help us spread the word throughout our neighborhoods.
Speak to Friends, Neighbors, and Family: Engage those around you to drive turnout.
Donate: Donate to the Republican Party of Pasco now, so we can ensure all Republican Candidates are victorious on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. https://secure.anedot.com/republican-party-of-pasco/donate
Remember, every voice counts! Whether you choose to vote early, absentee, by mail, or in person, your participation is crucial to our success.
Together, we have the power to reclaim our country and inspire hope for a brighter future. Let’s rally together, work hard, and ensure our voices are heard loud and clear!
Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our cause.
Yours in service,
James Mallo
Chairman, Republican Party of Pasco
James has been married to Laura (Carter) Mallo for over 28 years and has two adult children who are currently in college. James has served as a law enforcement officer for over 32 years and started his 23rd year serving the citizens of Pasco County this year.
Vice Chairman: Rudy Gonzalez
Rudolph (Rudy) Gonzalez was born and raised in the South Florida city of Opa-Locka. I am a first generation American, born of Cuban immigrants fleeing the communist regime of Cuba. The middle child of seven siblings and a graduate of Hialeah Miami Lakes. I attended the University of Phoenix.
I moved to Pasco County in 2005 to marry my beautiful wife, former Queen Chasco Lisa Shippy-Gonzalez. We have two wonderful children (Amanda and Cameron), and are blessed with a perfect granddaughter, Phoenix.
Pasco business owners and operators since 2007, we enjoy assisting great organizations such as Rotary, Good Samaritan Clinic, Volunteer Way, Pace Center for Girls, and many others. Pasco is the best place in the world to live and raise a family.
I pride myself on being a conservative, recognizing the dangers of socialism and communism. I have never personally experienced either, but my family has lost life and liberty at the hands of Fidel Castro. My passion for the education of future generations is a direct result of these losses. It is imperative to share these experiences with our youth so they can fully understand the potential ramifications of Socialism. We stand to lose so much more than money if we surrender our Rights as Citizens of the United States of America.
My voice and experience as a Hispanic member of society will assist in my responsibilities as Vice Chair of the Pasco County Republican Executive Committee. My servitude to the party and our members will be my contribution to continuing to grow our party so that “We will stand united as a people.”
“A house divided against itself cannot stand." ― Abraham Lincoln.
Treasurer: Jeannie James
Jeannie S. James is the current treasurer of the Pasco County Republican Executive Committee. She graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida. Jeannie is Vice President and part owner of Marlyn Steel Decks, Inc. Her passion is to promote effective and responsible government, both locally and federally, aligned with our Constitutional Republic. Most importantly, to protect and preserve our 1st and 2nd amendments and to see that future generations understand how special our Constitution is.
Secretary: Devin Alexander
Devin Alexander is a fourth-generation resident of Pasco County raised on the east side. The Pasco Pirate graduate would go on to Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan to earn his bachelor’s degree in Political Science. During his time there, he served 2 terms as the Student Body President working closely with Senior Administration to improve retention.
He joined the REC in 2018 and has served in multiple organizations, including the Pasco Young Republicans, East Pasco Republican Club and Zephyrhills Main Street. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of Florida Business Professionals of America, Inc., one of the Career and Technical Education organizations that help prepare students for the workforce.
Devin is a proud conservative who wants to help show the light of the Republican Party to young adults and minorities. He passionately believes the American dream is alive and thriving if you are willing to work hard and have faith in God.
Political Director: Blaze Drinkwine
Blaze Drinkwine, a dedicated City Commissioner in San Antonio, Florida, has carved a dynamic path across the realms of politics, digital innovation, and culinary arts. Alongside his civic responsibilities, Blaze collaborates with businesses, campaigns, and organizations, leveraging his expertise to enhance and manage their digital presence in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Additionally, he brings his culinary prowess to the forefront, crafting intricate pairing menus, sophisticated cocktails, and inventive interpretations of American contemporary cuisine.
Blaze's political journey in Florida commenced as a former Field Staffer, Deputy State Director, and later as Strategic Initiatives Director for the Republican Party of Florida and Republican National Committee, spanning from 2016 to 2022. Before his tenure with the Republican Party, Blaze served on Carly Fiorina's presidential campaign, demonstrating his commitment to grassroots engagement and political mobilization.
Driven by a passion for fostering collaboration and innovation, Blaze founded The Drinkwine Association, aiming to unite creatives in a collaborative and nurturing environment. In his leisure moments, he finds solace in culinary pursuits, entertaining guests, and exploring the charming streets of the town he proudly serves, often accompanied by his faithful companion dog, Winston.