The DeSantis Administration called Sowell's efforts to support the state's recovery, "indispensable" in making Florida "the beacon of opportunity for the entire country.
"[4] In recognizing Sowell, the administration stated, "He has done outstanding work as the president and CEO of Enterprise Florida since January 2019, leading EFI through the once-in-a-generation economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"[5] After serving as one of the administration's original cabinet members, Sowell resigned as Secretary of Commerce near the end of 2021 to attend military training for the United States Navy Reserve.
Sowell's parents met at Florida A&M University (FAMU) where his father was the class of 1968 Army ROTC distinguished military graduate.
Sowell's grandfather fought in World War II, while his father served in Vietnam, and brother deployed to Iraq where he became disabled.
His Uncle is Commodores Founder Thomas McClary, and his cousin is Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kurtis Wilder.
Sowell was selected to be an editor for the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy Symposium and was also appointed to a state board regulating health facility administrators by Indiana Governor Mike Pence.
While in graduate school, Sowell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Private First Class.
When Sowell left the role, Florida had 16 consecutive months of job growth after the height of shutdowns at the start of the pandemic.
This trip solidified future trade ties with Israel as it was the first time a governor from any U.S. state, visited both the University of Ariel and the region of Gush Etzion.
Governor DeSantis participated in round tables and discussions with Israeli experts addressing a broad range of issues from water and agricultural technology, medical and environmental research, tourism, cultural and educational exchanges, to school safety and security.
Sowell assisted the administration in leading EFI through the national recession as the Governor led Florida's remarkable economic recovery.