CHAMPIONING REGIONAL PRIORITIES
Public Affairs
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Supporting efforts that further
broad-based prosperity
Championing Regional Priorities
Before and during the Florida Legislative Session, the Partnership works closely with education, local government and industry trade association partners to drive home the importance of generating high-wage jobs throughout our region and the state.
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Workforce Development
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Funding for Central Florida Initiatives
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Affordable Housing
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Transportation
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Economic Development Issues
ADVOCATING FOR THE ORLANDO REGION
Policy Council
The Policy Council helps ensure that our Members of Congress and State Legislators understand the programs and funding mechanisms necessary to build and diversify Florida’s economy, creating a world-class business location.
With input from our local, regional and state partners, the Policy Council meets regularly to discuss and review potential issues and their impact on our region. A proposed Legislative Agenda is developed annually and sent to the Partnership Executive Committee. Once the agenda has been revised and approved by the Executive Committee, it is sent to the Partnership Board of Directors for final revisions and approval. After this, the Partnership and partners work to advance the agenda.

“Our legislative agenda is critical to the continued success of the Orlando region’s economy. Our legislative focus is to champion initiatives that effectively increase access, mobility and broad-based prosperity….”
– Tim Giuliani
President and CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership
Aligning and educating regional leaders
Public Affairs Programs
In addition to the ongoing advocacy for our region, the Partnership is training the next generation of elected leaders through the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute. It also prioritizes transportation and aligns with regional transportation leaders.

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute
If you are interested in elected office, the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute is a unique, nonpartisan, regional initiative designed to prepare and strengthen the next generation of elected leaders before they formally choose to run for a specific office.

Prioritizing Transportation
The Partnership supports private and public projects that help to build more vibrant and sustainable communities, contribute to our global competitiveness, create high wage jobs and increase prosperity for all families living, working and learning in the Orlando region.
advocacy & public policy
Policy Council

Linda Landman Gonzalez
Chair
VP, Community Relations & Government Affairs
Orlando Magic

Adam Babington
VP, External Affairs
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Courtney Barnard
State & Local Government Affairs Public Policy, Law & Security
Verizon Orlando

Wendy Brandon
CEO, UCF Lake Nona Medical Center
HCA Healthcare – UCF Lake Nona Medical Center

Kari Conley
Director , Community Relations
Duke Energy

Glenton Gilzean
President
Central Florida Urban League

Tim Giuliani
President & CEO
Orlando Economic Partnership

Frank Goeckel
SVP, Strategy, Integration and Acquisitions
Travel + Leisure Co.

Elisha González
Vice President, Community Relations & Government Affairs, ED Fairwinds Foundation
Fairwinds Credit Union

Shannon Gravitte
Vice President, Public Affairs Central Region
AdventHealth

Amanda Grimmer
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Tony Jenkins
Market President, Central Florida
Florida Blue

Chadwick Loar
Regional President – West and Central Florida
PNC

Cliff Long
CEO
Orlando Regional Realtor Association

Georgia Lorenz
President
Seminole State College of Florida

John McReynolds
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
Universal Orlando Resort

Sharon Smoley
Founder
Central Florida Public Affairs

Michelle Strenth
Director, Government Relations
Orlando Health

Rasesh Thakkar
Senior Managing Director
Tavistock Group

Josh Wyche
Regional Manager, External Affairs – Central Florida
TECO Peoples Gas Company
Advocacy & Public Policy StafF
Connect With Us
To learn more about the Partnership’s advocacy and public policy efforts or the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, please contact Jordan DeWitt.
News about Public Affairs

- Advanced Manufacturing
- Public Policy and Advocacy
- Innovative Technologies
- Orlando Economic Partnership
- Smart Sensors
Congressman Darren Soto recognized for his Semiconductor Advocacy Press Release

2023 Central Florida Political Leadership Institute (PLI) Class Graduates Press Release

Central Florida Political Leadership Institute Announces 2022-2023 Class Press Release

Move Orange County Forward Kicks Off to Rally Support for Transportation Funding Press Release

- Advanced Manufacturing
- Public Policy and Advocacy
- Innovative Technologies
- Orlando Economic Partnership
- Smart Sensors
Osceola County Wins Generational Federal Investment in U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing Press Release

2022 Central Florida Political Leadership Institute Class Graduates Press Release
