Sachs Media Group, Florida’s top integrated marketing and public affairs firm, today announced that one of the state’s most respected and experienced public policy experts – Karen Cyphers – is joining its award-winning public relations team in the role of Senior Policy Counsel.
Cyphers brings broad policy and political experience to SMG, which is nationally recognized as Florida’s dominant public affairs communications firm. In this role, she will provide thought leadership and strategic analysis on a range of projects and issues.
“Karen is a superior and brilliant policy analyst, writer and strategic thinker,” said CEO Ron Sachs. “She will be an outstanding contributor to our work on behalf of many of our clients and projects.”
Cyphers has served in leadership roles directing policy for two gubernatorial campaigns: for Charlie Crist in 2006 and for Bill McCollum in 2010, and served as director of health care policy for the Florida Medical Association from 2008 to 2012. She also worked as deputy policy chief to Gov. Crist in health and human services for two years, and held legislative roles in the Florida House and Florida Senate. Cyphers also has been a regular contributor to SaintPetersBlog and Context Florida, is an adjunct instructor at Florida State University – where she teaches a course on public policy analysis – and dedicates time toward assisting the Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., on matters close to her heart.
“My first meeting with Ron Sachs and Michelle Ubben came through a writing camp for kids that I founded in 2003 – when they sponsored student scholarships, presented to classes, and helped make the program a success,” Cyphers said. “Ten years later, I’m thrilled for another opportunity to collaborate with the Sachs team. I know the quality of work and creativity they put into projects on behalf of diverse and impressive clients. It’s an inspiring place to be.”
Karen’s writing experience covers an impressive range of venues. She has published original research in peer-reviewed academic journals, penned economic impact studies, and has written extensively for association publications. In 2012, the Florida Magazine Association honored one of her columns with the “Best In-Depth Reporting” award.
“We are so excited to have Karen on our team,” said Michelle Ubben, SMG’s chief operating officer. “Her ability to deftly analyze issues and convert that knowledge into smart strategies and messaging that moves people to action is a perfect fit with what we do.”
Karen holds a doctoral degree in political science from Florida State University. Her academic research focuses on experimental design, political behavior, and health care policy. Karen is a proud graduate of New College of Florida, where she studied psychology and anthropology. While in her new role with Sachs Media, Karen will continue her writing, teaching, and advocacy efforts.
Karen and her husband, Brett, have two young daughters, ages 3 and 4, and Karen’s stepdaughter will be a proud Seminole in the freshman class of 2014.