Mary Clare Hubbard departs Governor’s Office for HCA Florida Healthcare

Mary Clare Hubbard is heading from the Governor’s Office to HCA Florida Healthcare, taking over as the health system’s top government affairs executive in the state.

HCA Florida Healthcare announced Monday that Hubbard has joined the organization as Vice President of Government Relations, Florida, where she will oversee legislative advocacy, political strategy and government affairs across HCA Healthcare’s Florida operations, the company’s largest market.

Hubbard most recently served as Legislative Affairs Director in Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ office, a role she took over in May 2025. There, she managed the Governor’s legislative agenda, served as the administration’s primary liaison to the Legislature and advised senior officials on policy and political priorities.

Before that, she was Deputy Legislative Affairs Director in the Executive Office of the Governor, Legislative and Cabinet Affairs Director at the Florida Department of Commerce, and held government relations positions with TECO Energy.

“Mary Clare is an excellent addition to our team,” said Cat O’Mara, HCA Healthcare’s Vice President of Government Relations. “She brings a deep understanding of Florida’s policy landscape, strong political instincts, and a proven ability to build lasting relationships.”

The move drew praise from top state officials who have worked alongside Hubbard.

“Mary Clare has been an invaluable member of the Governor’s team and a trusted advisor on many of Florida’s most significant legislative priorities,” said Jason Weida, Chief of Staff to DeSantis. “While we will certainly miss her, I know she will continue making a meaningful impact for HCA Florida Healthcare and the patients and communities it serves.”

Sen. Jim Boyd called Hubbard “one of Florida’s most respected public policy professionals,” while House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison said she has earned “the respect of my colleagues in the House” and will be “an outstanding addition to the HCA Florida leadership team.”

HCA Florida Healthcare operates more than 670 sites of care statewide, including 50 hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices and urgent care centers.

POLITICO Florida’s Kimberly Leonard previously reported that Hubbard was exiting the EOG, but her private sector destination was not known.