LESLIE REED
Tallahassee
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Partner
Brightwater Strategies Group, PLLC
Tallahassee, FL, USA
01.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic guidance, lobbying and external affairs services to private sector and nonprofit clients on environmental regulation, state budget processes, procurement, and legislative strategy.
- Advise clients on navigating complex regulatory frameworks and engaging effectively with state agencies and policymakers.
- Develop and execute government affairs strategies aligned with client operational and policy objectives.
Chief of Staff
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Tallahassee, FL, USA
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Served as a principal advisor to the Secretary, directing and implementing agency-wide policies and strategic initiatives.
- Oversaw the Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of Cabinet Affairs, and External Affairs functions, ensuring coordination across executive and legislative priorities.
- Led the agency's Deepwater Horizon restoration and recovery efforts, including representation of the State of Florida on the RESTORE Council.
- Chaired the Florida Trustee Implementation Group, responsible for allocating Natural Resource Damage Assessment funding for statewide restoration projects.
- Coordinated high-level engagement with federal agencies, local governments, and stakeholders on environmental policy and funding initiatives.
Policy and Planning Coordinator
Suwannee River Water Management District
Live Oak, FL, USA
02.2016 - 08.2017
- Managed development of major planning documents, including the District's Strategic Plan.
- Identified, solicited, and developed projects for state and federal grant programs, including Deepwater Horizon-related funding.
- Coordinated intergovernmental activities with state agencies and regional and local governments.
- Supported legislative affairs by analyzing proposed legislation and assessing legal and policy impacts.
Attorney
Florida Public Service Commission
Tallahassee, FL, USA
11.2014 - 02.2016
- Regulated investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater utilities.
- Represented technical staff in evidentiary hearings before the Commission, including discovery, testimony, and cross-examination of witnesses.
- Prepared legal analyses, recommendations, and draft orders memorializing Commission decisions.
Education
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude -
Florida State University College of Law
Tallahassee, FL05.2014
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Policy and Planning
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA05.2010
Certification
Florida Bar, Active, 0113227
Timeline
Partner
Brightwater Strategies Group, PLLC
01.2022 - Current
Chief of Staff
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
01.2020 - 01.2022
Policy and Planning Coordinator
Suwannee River Water Management District
02.2016 - 08.2017
Attorney
Florida Public Service Commission
11.2014 - 02.2016
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude -
Florida State University College of Law
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Policy and Planning
Virginia Tech