Continental Strategy adds FL government pro Brandi Gunder as newest partner

Brandi Gunder, a veteran Florida government professional, is joining Continental Strategy as its newest partner.

Gunder brings over 10 years of senior state government experience, specializing in fiscal policy and executive leadership. She previously served as Acting Director of Policy and Budget in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.

Most recently, Gunder was Vice President of Research at Florida TaxWatch, a fiscal watchdog focused on efficient use of taxpayer funds.

While serving under Gov. DeSantis, Gunder played a key role in developing and implementing the state budget. She collaborated with agencies and legislative leaders on appropriations strategy, policy implementation, emergency funding, and long-term fiscal planning.

She served as the chief architect of the Governor’s recommended budget. Gunder has also mastered Florida’s Legislative Appropriations System and Planning and Budgeting System, the frameworks for securing and defending state funding.

In addition to her budget work, Gunder managed the allocation of over $14 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds and directed state expenditures during major disasters and public health emergencies.

“Brandi understands the Florida budget and state policy better than anyone in the state. She is a hard worker, and she is loyal, which means she is an invaluable part of any team. She will offer clients unique insights because she wasn’t just an observer of government; she was a part of getting things done,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said.

The firm itself is celebrating Gunder’s addition.

“Brandi brings an extraordinary level of executive branch experience and operational knowledge to our clients,” Continental Strategy Managing Partner Ashley Spicola said. “Very few people in Florida have had the opportunity to work as closely as Brandi has with the development of the state budget, agency operations, and the implementation of major statewide policy initiatives. She understands not only how decisions are made, but how to successfully navigate the process and deliver results for our clients.”

In addition to working with DeSantis on the budget, Gunder served as Policy Coordinator for the Governor’s Education Unit, overseeing the state’s more than $25 billion education budget. In that role, she also advised senior executive leadership on K-12 and higher education policy and managed a team overseeing education budget and policy issues.

She previously served in the Florida Senate Majority Office, further strengthening her legislative expertise.

“In Tallahassee, almost every major policy victory ultimately comes down to a budget battle, and Brandi has spent years holding the keys to the state treasury,” Continental Strategy President and Founder Carlos Trujillo said. “ She doesn’t just understand how state dollars move, she literally helped write the blueprint for over $114 billion in state spending.”

He added that Gunder is “the ultimate insider strategist” who can effectively drive results for “clients looking to navigate procurement, secure state appropriations, or protect their business interests.”

Gunder earned a law degree from Florida State University College of Law and an undergraduate degree in business administration and professional accountancy from the University of West Florida.

Continental Strategy is a government relations firm offering expert policy and legislative support in Washington D.C., Florida and in Latin America and the Caribbean.