Kirkland has more than 2 decades of public policy and strategy experience.
A veteran political strategist is joining an Orlando government relations firm.
Lydia Clair Kirkland has been hired by Central Florida Public Affairs (CFPA). Kirkland is leading the firm’s statewide efforts, and she’ll do most of her work in Tallahassee. It’s territory that Kirkland is familiar with, given her years of experience in fundraising, campaign management and strategy. She’s also worked with many state lawmakers on formulating public policy.
“As Central Florida Public Affairs continues to grow, expanding into Tallahassee allows us to better serve our clients at the center of Florida’s policymaking. Hiring a seasoned political advisor underscores our commitment to offering unmatched insight and advocacy across the state,” said Sharon Smoley, founder and CEO of CFPA. “We’re thrilled to have Lydia Claire Kirkland join our team to lead this new chapter — her experience, relationships, and understanding of Florida politics make her the perfect person to launch and lead our Tallahassee presence.”
Kirkland has more than two decades of experience in Florida politics. Her expertise is not limited only to the Sunshine State. She’s also done similar work in Tennessee and North Carolina. She’s handled multi-million-dollar campaigns and is also well-versed in fundraising for issue advocacy efforts.
“This opportunity to open a Tallahassee office for CFPA allows the firm to grow its portfolio of clients, and I am excited to join a team that’s driven policy forward and shown incredible success for its clients in a short amount of time,” said Kirkland.
Kirkland already has plenty of contacts in the state capital. State Rep. Lawrence McClure, a Tampa Republican, said the campaign and political adviser is reliable.
“Lydia Claire is a trusted strategist and advocate, navigating both the political and legislative arenas with grace. Whether advising on campaigns or policy, Central Florida Public Affairs’ clients will be well served by her experience and professionalism. I look forward to watching her excel at this growing firm,” said McClure, who is the Chair of the Florida House Budget Committee.