Meredith Pelton

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

An attorney by training and a change agent by trade, Meredith Pelton joined Florida TaxWatch in April of 2022 as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. In this role, Meredith will not only spearhead efforts to develop new policy programs, institutes, and councils, but will also act as a collaborative leader to coordinate research and development activities to drive stronger member and taxpayer engagement. A native Floridian with a long-history of service, a commitment to transparency and collaboration, and extensive strategic planning experience in both the profit and non-profit sectors, Meredith brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

As the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Meredith will assist the President and Board in driving the strategic direction of Florida TaxWatch. She leads the development of new initiatives, identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships, and oversees implementation of the organization’s strategic plan. In her role, Meredith will be a vital voice for the institution and play a pivotal role in forging and strengthening collaborative policy programs.

Prior to joining Florida TaxWatch, Meredith served as the Executive Director for the Florida Commission for Independent Education, where she took steps to drive enhanced accountability in the independent, postsecondary education space. She also previously served as Executive Director of the Florida Opportunity Fund, a state-backed venture capital fund. Prior to her service in state government, Meredith ran a successful estate and business-succession planning law firm. She has also held leadership positions in various nonprofit organizations, where she developed and implemented successful fundraising and marketing strategies.

Meredith holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance with Specialization in Entrepreneurship and Real Estate from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law. An active member of the Florida and Alabama Bars, Meredith also serves on the Board of Florida Legal Services, a statewide leader in advancing access to justice. In her free time, Meredith enjoys photography, playing with her dog, Cricket, and volunteering in middle-school classrooms through Junior Achievement.