Google “Katie Betta”, formerly Gordon, and the mountain of search results reveals her wide breadth of skill and her steady rise within Florida’s political scene, despite (and perhaps thanks to) no lack of challenging circumstances surrounding her various posts. Betta, 29, lives in Tallahassee and graduated from Florida State, is an accomplished long-distance runner, and among the most respected communications professionals in the state. She entered politics “for the same reason I think everyone does – to make a difference.” And on some level that response speaks a lot: to assume that most people share her positivity and good intentions would be a mistake, but her feeling so reflects her own credibility.
Katie’s first shot was given to her by Melissa Francisco Dempsey, Frank Terraferma and Jeff Sadosky; and she worked on Fred Thompson for President, the Governor’s Office, the Republican Party of Florida, the Florida House, and the Florida Senate, where she currently serves as the communications director to Senate President Don Gaetz.
“I think political work can easily become all consuming, so I really look up to people who have the right priorities,” writes Katie. “Randy Enwright, Rich Heffley and Andy Palmer are the best at what they do, but they are also great examples of people who put their faith and family above everything else.”
When Katie begins a projects or first work on a campaign she looks for a gut feeling that she is making the right choice. Once there, she has learned the importance of speaking her mind, saying, “I have been lucky to work for people who have given me the opportunity to voice my opinion. I think you only compromise your principles if you don’t speak up when you have a chance to influence an outcome.”
Will we be reading about her in 10 years? According to Katie, perhaps not. “If I’m doing my job well, hopefully I’m not the one you’ll be reading about!”
Last tweet from @KGBetta: “@willweatherford and @FLSenate Pres. Gaetz Celebrate Completion of Work Plan Florida Agenda http://tinyurl.com/cefpawj #sayfie“
Here is Katie in her own words.
I am 29 years-young.
I live in (Tallahassee) … Am from (all the places the Army sent us) …. I went to school (Florida State).
I hope to visit (family) soon enough.
I entered politics because… The same reason I think everyone does – to make a difference. For me, working in political communications is an opportunity to speak out for what I believe in, to hopefully influence decisions and then help tell the story of the outcome.
One principle I always put above politics is… I have been lucky to work for people who have given me the opportunity to voice my opinion. I think you only compromise your principles if you don’t speak up when you have a chance to influence an outcome.
Person or people who gave me my first shot: Melissa Francisco Dempsey, Frank Terraferma, Jeff Sadosky
I’ve already worked for/on: Fred Thompson for President, Governor’s Office, Republican Party of Florida, Florida House, and the Florida Senate.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for… a gut feeling I am making the right choice.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors: I think political work can easily become all consuming, so I really look up to people who have the right priorities. Randy Enwright, Rich Heffley and Andy Palmer are the best at what they do, but they are also great examples of people who put their faith and family above everything else.
The people I most admire in politics are: President Gaetz, Speaker Cannon and Senator Thrasher.
One lesson I’ve already learned is… Never be afraid to speak your mind.
If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working in… public relations.
In ten years, you’ll read about me… If I’m doing my job well, hopefully I’m not the one you’ll be reading about!
You can connect with me via Twitter @KGBetta.
