Patrick Fitts - Chief Financial Officer / Director of Information Technology / Logistics Specialist

Our Staff

Jennifer Hatfield - Government Consultant / Managing Member

J. Hatfield & Associates PL

GOVERNMENT CONSULTANT

Morgan Fess - Associate

Patrick came on board in the Fall of 2013 and has become an integral component of the J. Hatfield & Associates back office. His technical expertise in management, accounting, logistics, and information technology has proven to be an asset for the firm and its clients.

Patrick brings a varied work history to the company. Since 2005, he has worked as a government contractor for a Navy project based in the Bahamas. For the Navy, under contract to Amentum Services, LLC at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, he managed the food and beverage department for the AUTEC Recreation Association, which included four service locations on the project. In 2010, he transitioned to the logistics team as the assistant freight manager and US and Bahamian customs compliance specialist. Since 2022 he has been Logistics Division manager for the project. He also served as president of the AUTEC Softball Association, and treasurer for the AUTEC Golf Association.

He has earned a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Business, an Associates of Arts, an Associates of Science in Transportation and Logistics, an Intermodal Transportation certificate, an International Intermodal Transportation certificate, and an Accounting Specialist certificate from Eastern Florida State College.

Jennifer Hatfield has over 20 years of legislative and regulatory experience. She has spent the last 14 years working as the managing member of J. Hatfield & Associates, PL. What started out initially as a government consulting firm has grown into assisting clients with educational development and management support operations. Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and insight when strategizing and advocating for issues on behalf of clients. 

Jennifer has expertise in federal, state, and local regulatory services that can include analyzing and monitoring legislation and regulatory rulemaking; advocating in front of regulatory bodies; drafting petitions for declaratory statements, submitting public comments and development of various other documents. Jennifer specializes in state and national building code processes, including code proposal submittals and navigating the entire code development process for clients. She also has extensive experience with national consensus standard processes, the development of energy conservation standards by the United States Department of Energy and addressing construction contractor matters.

Jennifer has developed classes and taught nationwide on topics such as model and state building codes, federal energy and safety requirements, and speaks to groups on advocacy best practices. In addition, she has developed and taught classes specific to Florida contractors on construction lien law and state licensing and code requirements.

Past experience also includes direct engagement with federal and state legislative bodies, assisting in the drafting of legislation and amendments and lobbying on behalf of clients. Jennifer has previously provided grassroots advocacy development with trade associations and advisement on political action committees and their decisions on supporting candidates for elected office. She has led trade association government affairs departments, including in the area of codes and standards. These previous roles provide a keen understanding of how legislative and regulatory processes are interwoven.

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the College of William & Mary and is a graduate of the Frederic G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. She is a member of the Florida Bar and previously worked at the Florida Legislature as a committee attorney for the Florida House of Representatives. Jennifer and her family live in Brevard County, where they enjoy boating and our actively engaged involved in their son’s school and activities.

Morgan is a versatile professional with a solid background in management, public relations, legislative support, and hospitality. She recently returned to J. Hatfield & Associates, PL, as an Associate, having previously assisted the firm.

She held the position of General Manager at The Capitol Inn, where she effectively managed operations, staff, and guest services. Morgan served as an Associate at HORNE LLC, where she collaborated with vendors and local communities in Puerto Rico to aid in the rebuilding. With a wealth of experience in public service, Morgan has taken on significant roles, including Public Relations Officer for the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections and Legislative Aide for Representative David Scott Plakon in the Florida House of Representatives. Additionally, she has served as District Aide to Representative Jason T. Brodeur and as District Assistant to Speaker Dean Cannon.

In 2018, Morgan participated in Leadership Seminole. Through her participation, she not only honed her leadership skills but also expanded her network of like-minded individuals who share her commitment to community improvement. The program provided her with valuable insights into local governance, economic development, and the challenges facing our country. During her time in the program, she took on several projects aimed at addressing pressing community needs, such as organizing fundraising events for local schools and collaborating with non-profits to support families in crisis.

As a result of her commitment to public service, Morgan has become a recognized figure in Seminole County, known for her dedication to uplifting others and fostering a spirit of collaboration. She continues to seek opportunities for growth and learning, always aiming to contribute meaningfully to the vibrant community she calls home.

Her diverse career across multiple sectors equips Morgan with extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and adaptability, making her a valuable asset in any role she undertakes. Morgan and her family live in Seminole County, where they embrace the vibrant community and the opportunities it offers her family.