Continental Strategy today announced the addition of Brandi Gander as a new partner at the firm. Mr. Gander has more than 10 years of experience at the highest levels of Florida government, fiscal policy and executive leadership, including most recently serving Governor Ron DeSantis as Acting Director of Policy and Budget (OPB). Mr. Gander joins Florida TaxWatch after serving as vice president of research.
Mr. Gander brings to the company an unparalleled understanding of how state budgets are allocated by the Legislature and the Governor’s Office. During the DeSantis administration, he played a central role in the development and implementation of Florida’s budget. She worked with state agencies and legislative leaders on budgeting, spending strategies, policy implementation, emergency response funding, and long-term fiscal planning.
During his tenure, Mr. Gander served as the chief architect of the Governor’s recommended state budget, successfully developing and advancing a spending plan of more than $114 billion. Her deep institutional knowledge includes mastering the state’s complex Legislative Appropriations/Planned Budget System (LASPBS). LASPBS is an important framework for securing and protecting all funding lines.
In addition, Ms. Gander directly managed the allocation of more than $14 billion in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds and directed state spending during major natural disasters and public health emergencies, making her a valuable asset to all state procurement and emergency contracting clients.
“Brandy understands Florida’s budget and state policies better than anyone in the state,” said Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer. “She is hard-working and loyal, which means she is an invaluable addition to any team. She is not just an observer of government, but a contributor to getting things done, and will provide unique insight to our clients.”
said Ashley Spicola, Managing Partner of Continental Strategy. “Few people in Florida have had the opportunity to work as closely as Brandi on developing the state’s budget, operating government agencies, and implementing major policy initiatives across the state. She understands not only how decisions are made, but how to navigate the process and deliver results for our clients.”
“Mr. Gander’s appointment further strengthens the company’s ability to provide our clients with high-level strategic insight into Florida government,” said Carlos Trujillo, president and founder of Continental Strategy. “In Tallahassee, nearly every major policy victory ultimately comes down to a budget fight. Brandy has held the keys to the state treasury for years,” said Carlos Trujillo, president and founder of Continental Strategies. “She not only understands how state money works; she literally helped write the blueprint for more than $114 billion in state spending. For clients looking to navigate procurement, secure state spending, or protect business interests, Brandi is the ultimate insider strategist who knows exactly how to drive results.”
Prior to joining Continental Strategy, Mr. Gander served as vice president of research at Florida TaxWatch, where he led research and policy efforts focused on fiscal responsibility, health care policy, aging issues, and improving government efficiency and transparency. Earlier in his career, Mr. Gander served as Policy Coordinator for the Governor’s Education Department, overseeing Florida’s more than $25 billion education budget and advising senior leadership on K-12 and higher education policy issues across the state. In that role, she managed a team overseeing education budget and policy issues, coordinated directly with the Florida Department of Education, the State University System Board of Governors, legislative leadership, school districts, and institutions of higher education, and played a key role in developing legislative proposals, communications strategies, and statewide education policy initiatives. She also coordinated Florida’s education response during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped organize the Governor’s Reopen Florida Task Force.
Additionally, Mr. Gander served as Director of the Property Tax Oversight Program at the Florida Department of Revenue, where he oversaw more than $31 billion in property tax collections across the state and managed more than 130 employees in six offices across the state. In that role, she worked closely with real estate appraisers, tax collectors, and local and state leaders on compliance, taxation, and local government finance issues throughout Florida. Mr. Gander also brings significant legislative experience, having previously served in the Florida Senate Majority Office.
Mr. Gander earned his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Professional Accounting from the University of West Florida. She is a member of the Florida Bar.
