Veteran Lobbyist Matt Bryan Launches Government Relations Consultancy GrayBeard Strategies

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Veteran lobbyist Matt Bryan offers policy making expertise, public affairs strategy and political acumen to help corporations, state contractors and nonprofits navigate Florida’s complex political environment. Bryan is the same trusted consultant who has shaped policy and forged relationships in the halls of state capitols across the nation for more than four decades, but now under a new brand: GrayBeard Strategies, LLC.

“When it comes to policymaking, state procurement and political strategy, the stakes are higher than ever before. Organizations need a trusted advisor who brings decades of wisdom, strong integrity and deep relationships to develop policy agendas and guide decision-making,” said Bryan. “This new adventure is informed by my life’s experiences in the rough and tumble field of governmental relations and fueled by my relentless drive to make an impact for those who have chosen to invest in me.”

GrayBeard Strategies provides executive-level counsel to businesses and organizations whose success depends on effective engagement with state government. The firm’s services include:

• Government Relations Team Management – Guidance in hiring, developing and leading effective government relations professionals.
• Appropriations Advocacy – Working with government relations teams to support the securing and maintenance of critical state funding to support infrastructure, expand services and pilot innovative initiatives.
• Legislative Strategy – Seasoned advice and advocacy to help clients pass priority legislation—or stop harmful proposals before they gain traction.
• Policy Development – Collaboration with executives and government relations leaders to define policy priorities that move industries forward.
• Economic Development – Strategic networking and coalition-building to help clients expand operations in Florida and across the country.
• Procurement – Supporting companies in navigating complex government procurement contracts.

Bryan’s decades-long career at the intersection of business and government has given him unique insight into how policy decisions are made—and how to position clients for success within that process.

“I had the pleasure of getting to know Matt during my time as Governor. His honesty, work ethic and strategic insight stood out from the start. I’m confident he will be a valuable asset to growing businesses across the country in this venture," said former Governor Jeb Bush.

During his tenure at Smith, Bryan & Myers, Bryan built a diverse client portfolio spanning health care, taxation, transportation and agriculture. His results speak for themselves:

• Secured a recurring $33.5 million appropriation supporting Florida’s thoroughbred industry.
• Achieved more than $1 billion in Medicaid reimbursement increases over six years.
• Won the first state contract for supplemental insurance benefits for state employees and retirees.
• Established tax credits to expand and strengthen Florida’s short rail lines.

"In our nearly ten-year relationship, Matt has been an invaluable and trusted advisor to our company,” said John Zutter, CEO of Lantern, a digital health company. "His work ethic, nationwide contacts, strategic insights, and deep procurement experience have made the difference between success and failure in our dealings with state governments."

"I have had the pleasure and reward of collaborating, brainstorming and executing on strategy with extremely talented Matt Bryan for the past 15 years. He is nothing short of phenomenal when it comes to connecting the dots, while still seeing the various point of views and nuances between and amongst the disciplines of politics, government relations, regulatory, legal affairs and public relations. No one does it better,” said Lonny Powell, CEO and executive vice president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association.

Bryan’s work has earned him recognition as one of Florida’s most trusted advocates and a respected voice among his peers nationwide. He has cultivated deep relationships with elected officials, business leaders and policy professionals across the country, serving as an active member of the National Association of State Lobbyists and mentoring many of Florida’s next-generation government relations professionals.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to building effective advocacy teams,” Bryan said. “GrayBeard Strategies exists to share that institutional knowledge with organizations looking for more than representation: they want results.”

For more information, on GrayBeard Strategies reach out to Matt Bryan at https://www.gbsstrategies.com/