[2] A family friend who also attended the Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville knew U.S. Representative Tillie Fowler and recommended Kopelousos, who was hired as an intern.

According to Fowler's former chief-of-staff David Gilliand, "Some of the smartest people on Capitol Hill are the biggest jerks, and that limits them.

When Governor Crist was elected in 2007, he chose Kopelousos as FDOT Secretary over several other more qualified candidates, including a more experienced female transportation engineer.

[6] U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart honored Kopelousos on March 16, 2009, when he read a proclamation into the Congressional Record praising her FDOT work.

"[10] Kopelousos insisted, "The decision in question was made at the District Office level, and I was not involved with the apparent issuance of any permit related to this matter.

To the contrary, James Rodgers was allowed to remain in his position for eighteen additional months through mid-year 2011 and he retired with full benefits.

Months before the issue came to a vote, Florida Senator Paula Dockery, an opponent of the legislation, made a public records request for all emails to and from the FDOT concerning SunRail, CSX and Amtrak.

The Chief Inspector General's report stated, "No evidence was found to suggest that any department official intentionally withheld documents in violation of the law.

She worked for a time as a consultant for U.S. Representative John Mica, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee before applying for the position of Clay County Manager where she grew up and her father still resided.

[12][14] Shortly after his election to governor in the Fall of 2018, Ron DeSantis appointed Kopelousos as his Director of Legislative Affairs starting January 9, 2019.

[15] The job requires her to develop and maintain effective relationships with state legislators, their staff, lobbyists and other government officials.