Lars Hafner

Dr. Lars Hafner is an innovative leader in public service and education. He served 12 years in the Florida Legislature as an elected state representative until term limits were implemented. As a 12-year member of the Florida House Appropriations Committee, he developed a strong fiscal background and helped write, negotiate, debate, and pass a multi-billion dollar budget each year of service. Lars authored and led to passage significant pieces of legislation in the areas of education, ethics, health, environment, and human services. For his work in these fields as well as many others, Lars is the recipient of the Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award.

Lars Hafner continues to work as an occasional guest column for several Florida newspapers, as well as a political analyst for WTSP Channel 10, Tampa Bay's CBS affiliate in the largest 11th largest media market. In this position, he does on air analysis of federal, state, and local politics on both policy issues and campaigns.

Lars Hafner served as President of the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, that area's oldest and largest public institution. Prior to assuming his presidency, Lars served as the Provost at St. Petersburg College's St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, as well as a Vice President for education and student services. He co-conceived, designed, and promoted the University Partnership Center (UPC) at St. Petersburg College, which hosted 18 colleges and universities offering 84 full-degree programs including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.