Kobb joins the Partnership as Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy.
Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) is proud to announce the hiring of Rachael Kobb as Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. Under the direction of Sharon Smoley, vice president of advocacy and public policy, Kobb will support the efforts of the Partnership’s Advocacy and Public Policy Council and Executive Committee of the Alliance for Regional Transportation (ART) to develop annual workplans as well as legislative priorities.
Kobb joins the Partnership after serving for nine years in Orlando Health’s Government Affairs & Public Policy department, where she began as a representative and grew through the ranks as specialist and manager, positioning her in an emerging role as a key political influencer in the Central Florida community. There, she focused on local governmental initiatives in response to Orlando Health’s rapid growth and led advocacy efforts with local municipalities in receiving approvals for new healthcare facilities including the opening of the Orlando Health Freestanding Emergency Room and Medical Office Building in Lake Mary.
“Rachael is a dedicated and knowledgeable government affairs professional focused on driving effective public policy and creatively navigating the technicalities of the political and regulatory process,” said Sharon Smoley, the Partnership’s vice president of advocacy and public policy.
“She possesses a proven ability to build key relationships with elected and public leaders through collaborative initiatives and is an experienced coalition builder across industries and party lines with the ability to influence key decision makers to take specific action that delivers positive end results.”
Sharon Smoley, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy, Orlando Economic Partnership
As Senior Director, Kobb is responsible for convening high-level groups of transportation, business and community stakeholders through engaging, educating and advocating for appropriate public and private projects impacting the Orlando region. In her role, she will focus on infrastructure, planning, economic development projects and broad-ranging issues supporting long term economic growth and regional broad-based prosperity.
Kobb is an active citizen who lends her leadership talents to local community organizations, currently serving as an appointed member of Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ Housing for All Task Force, Incoming Chair on the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, member of the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s Government Affairs Committee, treasurer of Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida and mentor/Advisory Council Member of Valencia College Horizon Scholars –Take Stock in Children.
Throughout her career, Kobb has also served as a member of the Leadership Florida – Connect Board of Governors, Orlando Ballet Board of Directors and the Orlando Regional Chamber’s Young Professionals Advisory Council (now YP:NEXT). She is a graduate of America’s Essential Hospitals’ Government Relations Academy, Leadership Orlando Class 90, Leadership Seminole Class 25 and Athena NextGen.
Kobb earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and received a bachelor’s degree from Temple University where she majored in Political Science.
