Personnel note: Arrow Group adds veteran education lobbyist Kim McDougal

Arrow Group^[1] is welcoming education policy expert Kim McDougal aboard as a Senior Adviser.

McDougal, who holds a Ph.D. in education from Florida State University, is known as one of the top Florida’s top education lobbyists and consultants, with over 30 years of leadership in both the executive and legislative branches.

Arrow Group touted her track record of securing funding and policy wins for K-20 education, health care, and human services, and noted that her past clients have included school districts, universities and state associations.

Before entering the private sector, McDougal served as Chief of Staff to Rick Scott during his gubernatorial administration. In that role, she oversaw an $83 billion state budget and advised the now-U.S. Senator on issues impacting more than 100,000 executive branch employees.

McDougal previously held high-level positions under former Gov. Jeb Bush and several Florida Education Commissioners.

“Kim’s reputation for excellence and her unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for Florida’s students and people with disabilities truly set her apart,” said Arrow Group President Albert Balido. “Her deep expertise in appropriations and policy, coupled with her servant leadership, will be an immediate asset to our clients and the causes we champion.”

Arrow Group is the government affairs arm of full-service business law firm Gunster^[2], which launched in January^[3] through a strategic partnership with Anfield Consulting. Balido, the former head of Anfield, leads Arrow Group, with Ron Brisé serving as Senior Policy Adviser.

McDougal’s hire marks the third significant addition at Arrow Group this year, following Kim Shugar^[4] and Glen Gilzean^[5], both of whom also took on the title of Senior Adviser at the firm.

“I’m honored to join Arrow Group’s mission-driven team,” McDougal said. “Together, we’ll continue building coalitions, advancing policy, and delivering results that strengthen Florida’s education system and expand opportunities for families and communities statewide.”