FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 5, 2025
CONTACT: Christina Johnson, christina@on3pr.com, 850.391.5040
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch (FTW) today announced two new professionals joining the ranks of its independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute. CyRhonda (Cy) Flanagan, formerly served as Membership Director for the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, is now FTWs Director of Membership and Engagement. Brandi Gunder served as Acting Director of Policy and Budget at the Executive Office of the Governor under Governor Ron DeSantis and started her position as Vice President of Research for Florida TaxWatch on May 1.
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “We are excited to welcome both CyRhonda Flanagan and Brandi Gunder to the Florida TaxWatch team, both bringing substantial credentials and extensive experience to their positions and who will serve our members, our executive committee, our board of trustees, and the people of our state as the respected ‘eyes and ears’ of Florida taxpayers, with honor and distinction.”
Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp said, “As Florida TaxWatch continues to build upon its more than four decades as Florida’s leading public policy think tank and government watchdog, we are thrilled to add CyRhonda Flanagan and Brandi Gunder to our incredible team of dedicated professionals. They are both extraordinarily talented and will enhance our ability to significantly impact public policy and hold government accountable on behalf of the taxpayers of our great state.”
About CyRhonda (Cy) Flanagan
CyRhonda serves as the Director of Membership and Engagement at Florida TaxWatch, where she leads efforts to cultivate meaningful relationships, expand the organization’s network, and ensure members feel informed, valued, and connected to the mission of promoting responsible government spending across Florida. With more than a decade of experience in membership development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic relationship management, Cy has a proven ability to turn connection into long-term commitment. Her career spans leadership roles at national membership-based organizations, where she designed and executed data-informed strategies to boost retention, deepen member value, and foster a strong sense of community. Driven by a passion for mission-driven work, Cy brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work – prioritizing clear communication, member advocacy, and the creation of meaningful experiences that strengthen engagement and impact. Outside of work, Cy enjoys traveling, reading and spending quality time with her family and close friends. She is also passionate about giving back to her community through volunteer work.
About Brandi Gunder
Brandi Gunder is the Vice President of Research at Florida TaxWatch where she specializes in analyzing the state’s complex budget and tax policy. Brandi has served the State of Florida for 15 years, with extensive executive branch experience spanning two gubernatorial administrations. She has expertise in the state’s budgeting systems, having worked intimately with the construct of the Florida budget, and advised governors on implementing their priorities. Brandi is skilled in building relationships with stakeholders across Florida’s political landscape. Her deep understanding of both the Florida legislature and executive agencies comes from her hands-on experience in the highest levels of state government. Throughout her career, Brandi has focused on topics that matter most to Floridians – education, economic development, and fiscal responsibility.
Prior to her current role at Florida TaxWatch, Brandi served as Acting Director of Policy and Budget at the Executive Office of the Governor under Governor Ron DeSantis. In this role, she was responsible for developing the Governor’s $115 billion recommended budget. She advised Governor DeSantis and senior staff on critical policy and budget matters, championed the Governor’s initiatives for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act, and coordinated with state agencies during emergency responses. Brandi previously served as Deputy Budget Director under Governor DeSantis, where she directed the use of budget information systems and worked with Florida’s Division of Bond Finance to prepare the State’s presentations to rating agencies.
She held various roles on Governor Rick Scott’s Education Policy and Budget Team, ultimately serving as the Policy Coordinator. During her five years in the Education Unit, Brandi oversaw Florida’s $25 billion education budget. She presented the Governor’s annual recommended education budget to the Florida Legislature, developed comprehensive policy strategies including drafting legislative proposals, and built relationships with education stakeholders statewide. A member of the Florida Bar since 2009, Brandi holds a Juris Doctor degree from Florida State University College of Law and graduated cum laude from the University of West Florida with an undergraduate degree in Accounting. Her educational background in both law and accounting uniquely positions her to understand the legal and financial intricacies of state governance.
About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.
PHOTOS:
Cy Flanagan
Director of Membership and Engagement
Florida TaxWatch
Brandi Gunter
Vice President of Research
Florida TaxWatch
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