Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) announces the hiring of Sharon Smoley as the new Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy, a key function of the Partnership focused on building, implementing and managing all aspects of government affairs programs while fostering a collaborative approach with elected officials across the seven-county region. Smoley will also manage the Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, a non-partisan regional initiative designed to prepare and strengthen the next generation of elected leaders before they formally choose to run for a specific public office.
Smoley joins the Partnership after serving as the State Director of Government Affairs for Charter Communications Florida. There, she led a team responsible for local and state government relations strategies in the state of Florida. Prior to joining Charter, Smoley was responsible for Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts government relations strategy in Central Florida as well as supporting the company’s worldwide Industry Relations efforts.
“Sharon is a trusted voice in our region who has demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with a wide-range of companies, elected officials and constituencies,” said Tim Giuliani, the Partnership’s president and CEO. “The Partnership’s vision is inherently tied to our ability to work in partnership with the community to help companies create quality jobs, foster economic growth, drive broad-based prosperity™ and produce a sustainable quality of life.”
Among Smoley’s responsibilities will be to convene a diverse group of individuals representing a variety of businesses and industries from all corners of our seven county region and advocate for policy priorities at the local, state and federal levels that advance specific goals.
Throughout her career, Smoley has served in several government affairs and external relations positions with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, KB Home and the (former) Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.
Smoley is also an active citizen that lends her leadership talents to local community organizations. Currently, she serves on the Board of the Downtown Arts District and has previously served on the Boards of the West Orange Political Alliance, The CFHLA PAC and is a past Chair of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce.
Smoley earned her Master’s in Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and received a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College in Massachusetts after majoring in political science.
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