BFR
Briefings from the Rotunda
The Southern Group is expanding its ranks
J
im Gilmore and Chris Hagan of Gilmore Hagan Partners in Jacksonville have joined the top-tier lobby firm. The duo brings with them more than 40 years of economic development, business development and lobbying experience. “We are excited to grow within The Southern Group and look forward to seeing results from our forces combined,” Gilmore said in a statement. “We firmly believe that our expertise in economic development combined with their strong presence in the Florida market will be a driving force for client success in the future.” Gilmore has more than 30 years of experience and has generated more than $1.5 billion in new investment in public and private projects. His efforts have spurred corporate relocations, which helped to generate high-paying jobs and raise property values and provided millions in federal grant funds for transportation and infrastructure improvements and economic development. Hagan has more than 10 years of experience in government relations, representing clients throughout Florida before municipal councils. He specializes in creative solutions for private clients in fields of economic development and government relations. “We are incredibly excited to join The Southern Group,” said Hagan, who will serve as the Jacksonville office’s Managing Partner. “The strength of their brand in the Southeastern U.S. is matched only by the reputations of their individual professionals. We look forward to adding value to The Southern Group and its clients, and I know our new colleagues will offer the same to our existing clients.” Taylor Mejia, who has led stra36
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INFLUENCE Fall 2020
Chris Hagan, far left, and Jim Gilmore, far right, join The Southern Group. Here they stand with, from left, Matt Brockelman, Taylor Mejia and Carlo Fassi. tegic partnerships for Gilmore Hagan Partners since 2015, is also joining The Southern Group. She is responsible for the multiagency coordination program of several multimillion dollar infrastructure projects for local and state entities. “For more than 20 years, The Southern Group has been at the tip of the spear of Florida government relations,” said Paul
Bradshaw, firm founder and Chairman. “Our innovative approach to local and state lobbying has enabled us to become the Sunshine State’s largest influence firm. This momentum is something we are constantly looking to build upon, and the addition of the Gilmore Hagan team in Jacksonville does just that.”