Clayton P. Clemens
Tampa,FL
Summary
Public affairs and community development leader with nearly a decade of experience in government relations, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public-private partnership development throughout Florida. Skilled in aligning community, government, philanthropy, and business interests to advance complex initiatives involving affordable housing, workforce development, infrastructure, and community-centered growth. Extensive experience working with elected officials, agencies, developers, nonprofits, and civic stakeholders while leading strategic outreach, coalition building, media relations, grassroots engagement, and funding advocacy efforts. Passionate about mixed-use development and advancing innovative community solutions that create long-term economic and social impact across Florida.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Project Focus
Florida
09.2023 - Current
- As Executive Director of Project Focus, I oversee the strategic growth, community engagement, and long-term development vision for a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities across Tampa Bay.
- In addition to expanding educational, workforce development, and life-skills programming, I am leading efforts to develop a first-of-its-kind mixed-use inclusive community that combines affordable/supportive housing, workforce training facilities, commercial/community-serving space, and independent living opportunities.
- This work involves navigating public-private partnerships, government relations, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, strategic communications, land use discussions, and coalition building with local and state leaders, development partners, housing organizations, and philanthropic stakeholders.
Founder
Grounded Strategies, LLC
Tampa, FL
03.2023 - Current
- Grounded Strategies, LLC is a Florida-based consulting firm specializing in external affairs, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and community-driven growth initiatives.
- The firm advises clients on government relations, public engagement, coalition building, media strategy, grassroots activation, and strategic partnerships designed to help organizations navigate complex political, civic, and development landscapes.
- Grounded Strategies focuses on aligning community, government, philanthropy, and business interests to advance impactful and transformational initiatives across Florida.
Government Affairs Consultant
Floridian Partners
Florida
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Managed government and external affairs efforts for clients across multiple industries by building relationships with elected officials, community stakeholders, business leaders, and public agencies throughout Florida.
- Monitored and analyzed legislative and regulatory policy impacting economic development, infrastructure, housing, and business growth while supporting strategic outreach, coalition building, public engagement, and business development initiatives.
- Strengthened expertise in stakeholder relations, strategic communications, advocacy, and navigating complex public-private environments.
Director of Public Affairs
Florida Internet and Television
Tampa, Florida
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed government affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications efforts on behalf of Florida’s cable and broadband industry association.
- Collaborated with state agencies, elected officials, member companies, and industry partners to monitor legislation, advocate for policy priorities, and support infrastructure and economic development initiatives across Florida.
- Led public-facing messaging, media communications, social media strategy, and relationship management efforts to strengthen industry engagement and visibility.
Legislative Aide
Representative Jackie Toledo
Tampa, Florida
11.2018 - 05.2021
- Led legislative coordination, appropriations strategy, and stakeholder engagement efforts for State Representative Jackie Toledo in the Florida House of Representatives.
- Successfully advanced policy initiatives and secured funding priorities impacting the Tampa Bay region while building relationships with elected officials, agencies, local governments, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders throughout Florida.
- Managed constituent services, media relations, press communications, social media strategy, and community outreach efforts while gaining extensive experience navigating Florida’s legislative, regulatory, and political landscape.
Campaign Field Coordinator
Republican Party of Florida
Tampa, Florida
03.2018 - 11.2018
- Played a key role in three successful election campaigns for State Representative Jackie Toledo by leading grassroots engagement efforts, coordinating fundraising activities, building relationships with community and business stakeholders, and assisting in the execution of strategic political operations throughout the Tampa Bay region.
- Developed extensive experience in public engagement, coalition building, strategic messaging, and navigating complex political environments.
District Aide
Representative Jackie Toledo
Tampa, Florida
11.2016 - 03.2018
- Served as District Aide for State Representative Jackie Toledo, overseeing constituent engagement, community partnerships, and stakeholder relations across House District 60.
- Worked closely with local governments, businesses, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and residents to address community concerns, navigate state agency processes, and support legislative and appropriations priorities.
- Strengthened expertise in public engagement, coalition building, strategic communications, and relationship management within complex political and community environments.
Internal Comm. Intern
Strategic Image Mgmt.
Tampa, Florida
04.2016 - 09.2016
- Supported strategic communications, grassroots organizing, and public engagement efforts for political campaigns and advocacy initiatives across Florida.
- Coordinated statewide outreach operations, developed campaign communications and marketing materials, and worked directly with candidates, business leaders, consultants, and community stakeholders to support strategic messaging and engagement efforts.
- Strengthened expertise in communications strategy, stakeholder relations, branding, and grassroots mobilization while utilizing Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite platforms.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
University of Central Florida
Orlando01-2022
Major - Communications & Advertising
University of Tampa
Tampa, FL01-2016
Skills
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Relationship building
- Public speaking
- Government relations
- Marketing
- Fundraising
- Partnership development
Accomplishments
- Excellence in Media - City of Tampa Developmental Disabilities Council (2025)
- Tampa Connection (2025)
- Leadership Florida (2023)
- Excellence in Advocacy - Florida Internet and Television (2023)
Timeline
Executive Director
Project Focus
09.2023 - Current
Founder
Grounded Strategies, LLC
03.2023 - Current
Government Affairs Consultant
Floridian Partners
01.2023 - 09.2023
Director of Public Affairs
Florida Internet and Television
05.2021 - 12.2022
Legislative Aide
Representative Jackie Toledo
11.2018 - 05.2021
Campaign Field Coordinator
Republican Party of Florida
03.2018 - 11.2018
District Aide
Representative Jackie Toledo
11.2016 - 03.2018
Internal Comm. Intern
Strategic Image Mgmt.
04.2016 - 09.2016
Master of Public Administration -
University of Central Florida
Major - Communications & Advertising
University of Tampa
ATHLETICS
- Head Coach at CrossFit Hyde Park 2017-2019
- University of Tampa Men’s Swimming Team 2014, 2015