Meet Our Staff
Richard E. Coates
Richard E. Coates joined Tidewater Consulting, Inc. in February 2001 and serves as Tidewater’s President. Richard is also an attorney and a certified public accountant. Having established Coates Law Firm, PL in 2007, he specializes in election law and campaign finance. Before joining Tidewater, Richard was a shareholder at Katz, Kutter, Haigler, Alderman, Bryant & Yon, P.A., one of Tallahassee’s largest law firms. For nine years he worked for the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes, Department of Business Regulation, including service as Division Director. Richard was also a sole proprietor of an accounting practice.
Richard also practices in the area of state taxation and regulated entities and this experience brings a wealth of knowledge to his clients’ issues. Richard’s past legislative experience includes representing the Division of Florida Land Sales, while he was employed there. More recently, he has represented insurance and telecommunication companies, the space industry, private colleges, high-speed rail and many other business interests.
Richard received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University in 1991, his Masters of Accounting in 1979 and B.S. in Accounting in 1977. Richard is a member of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association.
Richard is a 30-plus year resident of Tallahassee, Florida, and is married to Candy McKinney Coates with two children, Mason (28), and Caitlyn (24).
Shelley B. Green
Shelley B. Green has been a partner with Tidewater Consulting, Inc. since its formation in January of 1999. Previously she served as Executive Assistant to the Chairman and Special Events Coordinator at the Republican Party of Florida from May 1994 to January 1999. She played a key role in the Party’s successful 1995 Presidency III straw poll convention and the 1996 Republican National Convention.
A native Floridian, Shelley was born and raised in Jacksonville. She attended the Florida Community College of Jacksonville on full academic scholarship and graduated from the Florida State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs/Political Science. In 2001, Mrs. Green obtained her Master of Social Science degree in Executive Management, from the Florida State University.
Shelley is involved in numerous civic organizations including currently serving as President for the Alumnae Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Delta Delta.
Shelley is a 27 year resident of Tallahassee, Florida, and is married to Christopher E. Green with three children, Jackson (17), Harrison (15), and Addison (13).
