The News Service of Florida honored 40 Florida businessmen and women on its annual “40 Under 40” list, 11 of whom are COSSPP alumni. This year’s honorees bring a “youthful perspective” to some of the state’s most significant industries—including law, land use, and education—and Florida’s legacy institutions.
The honorees were celebrated at a reception on February 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Tallahassee. This event featured an introduction from Dara Kam, Senior Writer at the News Service of Florida, and keynote speeches from the Governor’s Chief of Staff, James Uthmeier, and State Senator Danny Burgess. The rising stars were then presented with their awards.
News Service of Florida’s “40 Under 40” honors individuals who have made great strides in their respective industries and for the state of Florida. The honorees are chosen for their professional accomplishments and for overcoming personal challenges. The 11 COSSPP alumni honored are listed below.
- Brittany Austin (M.P.A. Public Administration ‘15), Senior Manager at Accenture, was chosen for her volunteer work in a Florida House of Representatives campaign and mentorship to first-generation college students in Florida.
- Lyndsey Brzozowski (B.A. Communications & Political Science ‘09), Executive Vice President of Bascom Communications & Consulting, was chosen for her contributions to Florida Politics, including advising Reps. Aaron Bean and Laurel Lee’s successful reelection campaigns.
- Courtney Cox (B.A. English & Political Science ‘12, M.S. Applied American Politics and Policy ‘13), Associate Managing Director of The Moore Agency, was chosen for her advocacy in industries such as health care, economic development, and education.
- Carla Juarez Farley (B.A. International Affairs & Political Science ‘12), Communications and Marketing Manager of IEM, was chosen for her role in the emergency communications surrounding Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
- Cody Farrill (M.P.A Public Administration ‘16), Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Executive Office, was chosen for his work in the Transportation and Management Services departments, Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, and as the governor’s primary advisor.
- Samantha Ferrin (B.A. Political Science & Sociology ‘10), Senior Director of Government Relations at Elevance Health, was chosen for her role in securing Simply Healthcare’s statewide Medicaid contract and Simply Healthcare’s community investment strategy.
- Gangul Gabadage (B.A. International Affairs & Political Science ‘19), Partner at Continental Strategy, was chosen for his mastery of Florida healthcare policy and efforts to implement statewide initiatives to improve healthcare access and outcomes for millions of Floridians.
- Mary Katherine Graham (M.S. Applied American Politics and Policy ‘13), Senior Director of Communications & Public Affairs at the Florida Behavioral Health Association, was chosen for her passion for promoting the behavioral health sector.
- Kristen McDonald Grissom (B.S Political Science ‘08, M.S. Applied American Politics and Policy ‘11), Vice President of Bascom Communications & Consulting, was chosen for her knowledge of legislative initiatives, litigation communications and crisis management and her work at the Florida House of Representatives.
- Caitlyn Hatcher (B.S Political Science ‘21, M.S. Applied American Politics and Policy ‘24), Associate Policy Advisor at Team 180 Consulting, was chosen for her intuitive understanding of the legislative process and her strong relationships with lawmakers and their political staff.
- Allison Liby-Schoonover (B.A. American Studies & Political Science ‘07), Senior Policy Advisor at Metz, Husband & Daughton, was chosen for her work in the Florida Senate.
To learn more about the honorees, click here. To learn more about the college and its departments and programs, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/departments-and-programs.