Government & Community Affairs Office Chief
As office chief of Government and Community Affairs, Cara Martin oversees the District’s government affairs and growth management/planning responsibilities of the District. Martin and her staff are the main liaisons between the District and local, state and federal government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. The Government and Community Affairs staff review all statutorily required government and utility growth and planning documents.
Martin has more than 11 years of experience at the District serving in roles of Board and Executive Services manager and Government Affairs regional manager.
Martin began her career as a public affairs specialist for Florida Citrus Mutual, where she managed a grassroots advocacy group that involved members in legislative matters affecting the Florida citrus industry. She went on to join the Florida Farm Bureau Federation as the assistant director of Government and Community Affairs, where she was responsible for representing Farm Bureau and the agricultural community to local and state government groups on issues pertaining to water, natural resources, growth management and property rights.
Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in agricultural business, both from the University of Florida. She is accredited in Public Relations by the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). She is a graduate of Leadership Sumter and a member of the FPRA Tampa Bay Chapter.