U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor recently hired Vito Sheeley and Tania Fernandez, who started this week as outreach coordinator and constituent services representative, respectively.

“My team is proactive on behalf of the families, veterans and small businesses in the Tampa Bay area, and Vito Sheeley and Tania Fernandez will play important roles as we work for broader economic opportunities for all,” Rep. Castor said. 

As outreach coordinator, Vito Sheeley joins Rep. Castor’s office to partner with local organizations, individuals and small businesses to address community concerns. His most recent experience was working with Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, former Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and former Florida State Sen. Kendrick Meek on volunteer recruitment, organizing phone banks and canvassing neighborhoods in Tampa and south St. Petersburg. Mr. Sheeley was born and raised in south St. Petersburg, and attended Lakewood High School. He replaced Victoria Kirby.

With nearly 20 years of customer service experience assisting neighbors throughout Tampa Bay, including Spanish-speaking clients, Tania Fernandez joins Rep. Castor’s office as a constituent services representative. In this capacity, she will directly assist District 14 residents on their matters relating to veterans benefits, immigration and other federal services. Most recently, she worked in Refugee Legal Services for Lutheran Services Florida. She replaced Belinda Allen, who is now at CDC of Tampa. 

“Vito and Tania are joining the other talented and hard-working members of my district office as we ramp up an important outreach effort to educate our community on the Affordable Care Act,” Rep. Castor said. “Open enrollment on the ‘online marketplace’ where people can shop and compare benefits and prices begins Oct. 1. The new law provides financial help to low and moderate income Americans who don’t get insurance through their jobs to help them purchase coverage.  The law also provides tax credits to small businesses that offer health insurance to their employees.”

Rep. Castor’s District 14 includes the greater Tampa area, as well as South St. Petersburg. 

To contact Rep. Castor’s office, visit castor.house.gov or call 813-871-2817. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USRepKathyCastor for the latest updates on how Tampa Bay residents may benefit from the Affordable Care Act.

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