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Jasmyne Henderson, 28 Attorney with the Pittman Law Group R I S I N G STARS WINTER 2016 INFLUENCE | 111 Brittney Hunt, 28 Director of talent, education and quality of life policy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce Ask Brittney Hunt how she balances the variety of issues on her plate, and she is quick to respond. “I’ve become a semi-pro juggler,” she says with a chuckle. It might be a joke, but it’s one that isn’t that far from reality. At the Florida Chamber, Hunt focuses primarily on education and health care issues. “When you think of where the food fights typically center, health care, gaming, and education are always near the top of the list. They are issues that require constant attention as they evolve and a policy understanding that exceeds the usual soundbite,” said Frank Walker, the vice president of governmental affairs at the Florida Chamber. “Brittney is successful because she does her homework, is not afraid to ask the right questions to get to the heart of an issue; and has demonstrated a unique ability to forge and grow relationships across all sectors of the public policy landscape.” Hunt is no stranger to the political process. She spent two years as an analyst in the Attorney General’s Office, working to implement policy. But she started to wonder if being the influencer was more her style. She learned the ropes of education policy as a lobbyist for Messer Caparello, before joining the Florida Chamber in 2015. She picked up health care, quickly becoming an authority in the field. “It’s definitely been cool for me to see both sides,” she said. “Contract lobbyists have clients; we’re looking out for the greater good for businesses.” For Jasmyne Henderson, working in a small firm has led to some big opportunities. She joined the Pittman Law Group after graduating from the Florida State University’s College of Law. She was trying to decide if she wanted to stay in Tallahassee, and Sean Pittman, the firm’s founder, offered her a job to help with Session. “It was a bit of a transition. I had some legislative experience before, but it was my first time directing a legislative program,” she said. “He took me under his wing.” Henderson has spent the past few years learning the ins and outs of the industry, getting her sea legs on a variety of issues. And she has good people guiding the way. Former Sen. Geraldine Thompson is her grandmother; and former Sen. Arthenia Joyner is one of her mentors. “She’s been around it all of her life,” said Thompson. “She’s very well prepared, but I think the involvement over the years has given her a certain kind of understanding and self confidence that makes her stand out.” Government affairs is just part of Henderson’s passion; she’s been working with Pittman on campaigns on and off since 2010. And as she looks to her future in the industry, she constantly reminds herself of one guiding principle: Treat others as you want to be treated. “I say this all the time, but I think the best anyone can take is the same people you see going up, you can see going down,” she said.


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