Senior Advisor, General Government Policy Leader
Orlando, Tallahassee
407.406.5242
Julie Fess has worked in Florida’s governmental, regulatory, and legislative spheres for more than two decades, and she expertly applies that experience when supporting Gunster clients’ public policy and advocacy initiatives.
As a sole practitioner who owned and operated Fess Consulting for many years, Julie knows the value of building and maintaining a respected and trusted reputation. She is skilled at crafting messaging and lobbying strategies that not only reflect mission and purpose but also deliver meaningful outcomes. Julie has experience working collaboratively with legislative leadership on substantive issues and the appropriations process. She is dedicated to working year-round in order to connect with clients, legislative staff and legislators, recognizing that meaningful advocacy doesn’t just occur during the 60-day legislative session.
Throughout her career, Julie has cultivated relationships with House members, Senators and committee staff by offering a personalized and familial approach to service. She started her career in Central Florida while working in the Florida House of Representatives and then became a senior legislative assistant for Senate Budget Chairman and later Majority Leader Locke Burt of Volusia County. In that role, she was involved in shepherding numerous high-profile policies and funding initiatives to the Governor’s desk.
Julie also served as the chief legislative assistant for the Speaker of the Florida House and as a key policy advisor and liaison with government and community groups. Her involvement in both the House and Senate supports her in understanding the inner workings of the Capitol.
Education
University of Central Florida, 1990
Involvement
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Seminole County Community Based Care Board
- Seminole County Public Schools Business Advisory Board
- Private Business Association of Seminole County
- Greenwood Lakes Parent Teacher Student Association
- Winter Springs Babe Ruth Athletic Association
- Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists