Abraham ‘Abe’ López is a proud father and husband who has built his career as an advocate and public servant. An experienced leader, Abe has served in a variety of roles that have allowed him to view the world through many lenses with empathy, passion, and a desire to deliver for our local communities. As Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the Lt. Governor in New Jersey, he oversaw the Department of State’s Division of Programs and elevated the expectation for excellence in civic engagement and community programming. Prior to that, Abe served as Executive Director of the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research & Development and Director of Hispanic & Faith-Based Affairs in the Governor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Additionally, Abe had the honor of serving as an elected Committeeman and Deputy Mayor of Westampton Township where he focused on delivering transparency, fiscal accountability, and bipartisan collaboration to build a better future.Following his family’s relocation to Florida, Abe helped lead SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s marketing efforts as Associate Manager of Communications & Public Relations where he drove consumer activation and marketing strategies for three flagship parks in Orlando.Abe always believed that the key to unlock the American Dream is a strong education, that every child – regardless of zip code or socioeconomic background – could build their own success story with quality teachers laying the foundation. That’s why he traded his briefcase for a gradebook, and began a new adventure teaching civics in Title 1 schools in the Orange County Public School system. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, Abe has been rated as a highly effective teacher by administrators, parents, and students alike. He believes that the classroom deserves to be a place where achievements are celebrated, mistakes can be learned from, and every child has potential. Student assessment data confirms that Abe fosters an instructional culture that values feedback, pushes for student engagement, fosters innovation, and ensures that the focus remains on student achievement every single day. Abe holds a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from New Jersey City University. When not serving as President of the FDI, preparing delicious home cooked meals for his family, or shuttling kids from school & activities, Abe serves as a Member of Oviedo Citizens In Action, Oviedo Historical Society, and is a children and youth leader at Church in the Son in Orlando.