Peter Schorsch
Cynthia Kelly, the state’s budget director under Republican Govs. Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis since 2013, is retiring.
She’s departing the Governor’s office after DeSantis signed the state’s 2019-20 spending plan.
“Cynthia was gracious enough to temporarily postpone her retirement to help my administration with our first budget,” said DeSantis in a statement.
“That was particularly helpful to us and we thank her for her great service to the state of Florida. We wish CK the very best.”
Kelly previously served as a staff director for both the Senate and House. Kelly also has managed appropriations subcommittees in both chambers.
“Cynthia has proudly served the state for years and was an invaluable part of my Administration while I was Governor,” Scott said in a statement. The Naples Republican now is one of the state’s U.S. Senators.
“She was such a big part of our team and such a joy to work with. I’d like to congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement and wish her luck in whatever she decides to do next.”
“CK is a true master of her craft and I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her on Gov. Scott’s team,” said McKinley Lewis, a deputy communications director for Scott in 2016-19.
“There are countless budget lessons I learned from CK and I know that so many other state employees, and members of the media, would proudly say the same thing,” added Lewis, now a Senior Vice President of Accounts for On 3 Public Relations.
“I wish her the very very best in her well deserved retirement.”
