Whether you’re expanding your business into a new state, seeking advice on policy priorities or looking to build out your government relations team, GrayBeard Strategies is ready to help.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
I had the pleasure of getting to know Matt during my time as Governor. His honesty, work ethic and strategic insight stood out from the start. I’m confident he will be a valuable asset to growing businesses across the country in this venture."
GOVERNOR JEB BUSH
State of Florida
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
"In our nearly ten-year relationship, Matt has been an invaluable and trusted advisor to our company. His work ethic, nationwide contacts, strategic insights, and deep procurement experience have made the difference between success and failure in our dealings with state governments."
JOHN ZUTTER
CEO, Lantern Health
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
"I have had the pleasure and reward of collaborating, brainstorming and executing on strategy with extremely talented Matt Bryan for the past 15 years. He is nothing short of phenomenal when it comes to connecting the dots, while still seeing the various point of views and nuances between and amongst the disciplines of politics, government relations, regulatory, legal affairs and public relations. No one does it better."
LONNY T. POWELL
CEO, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owner's Association
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
"We worked with Matt in Florida to successfully enact legislation to offer industry tax credits and I always look to him for advice as we pursue such matters in other states."
RYAN PIDDE
Vice President, Mickelson & Company
Led by Matt Bryan, who brings 40 years of experience in advocacy and political consulting, Gray Beard Strategies offers:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Leveraging political and business networks to grow operations in Florida and other states.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Collaborating with executives and government relations leaders to define policy priorities that move industries forward.
LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY
Providing seasoned advice to help pass priority legislation—or block harmful proposals before they gain traction.
APPROPRIATIONS ADVOCACY
Lobbying to secure and maintain state funding vital to build infrastructure, expand services and pilot new initiatives.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM MANAGEMENT
Guidance in hiring, developing and managing successful government relations professionals.
ABOUT GRAYBEARD STRATEGIES
GrayBeard Strategies offers major corporations, government contractors and a wide range of nonprofit and advocacy organizations an experienced navigator to guide them through the complexities of state government and ever-changing political environments.
Led by Matt Bryan, who brings 40 years of experience in advocacy and political consulting, GrayBeard Strategies offers:
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM MANAGEMENT
Fractional support in hiring, developing and managing successful government relations professionals in every state capitol across the nation.
APPROPRIATIONS GUIDANCE
Offers assistance to government relations teams working to secure and maintain state funding vital to build infrastructure, expand services and pilot new initiatives in state and local governments.
LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY
Providing seasoned advice to help pass priority legislation—or block harmful proposals before they gain traction in your most important states.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Collaborating with executives and government relations leaders to define policy priorities that move industries and corporations forward.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Leveraging political and business networks to grow operations in Florida and other states.
With over 40 years of experience navigating state capitals across the nation, Matt Bryan founded GrayBeard Strategies to help business leaders build and manage high-performing government relations teams while achieving real results at the state level.
Bryan began his career at Smith, Bryan & Myers in 1984 with just a handful of clients on opening day of the legislative session. Over the next four decades, he grew the firm into one of Florida’s most respected lobbying groups—representing a diverse client base, advancing landmark legislation and positioning clients as trusted experts before policymakers. In the last several years before selling his firm to his partners, he began managing the governmental relations program of several clients in other state capitals.
Now, through GrayBeard Strategies, Bryan brings the same insight, relationships and proven leadership across the nation to clients seeking a battle-tested partner to guide their business priorities in the political arena.
MEET MATT BRYAN
40 years of experience navigating state-level politics
40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Proven track record as founder and managing partner of one of Florida’s most respected lobbying firms
Trusted relationships with elected officials and business leaders nationwide
TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS
Recognized leader within the National Association of State Lobbyists
RECOGNIZED LEADER
Bryan has advanced policy priorities across health care, taxation, transportation and agriculture. Successful initiatives include:
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Secured a recurring $33.5 million appropriation supporting Florida’s thoroughbred industry.
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Achieved more than $1 billion in Medicaid reimbursement increases over six years.
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Developed and implemented the strategies to secure a large supplemental insurance benefits contract in key states for employees and retirees.
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Established tax credits to expand and strengthen state short rail lines.
Fall 2023 Influence Magazine
Matt Bryan: Gambling Lobbyist of the Year
Fall 2017 Influence Magazine
Smith, Bryan & Myers: Top 5 Lobbying Firm of the Year
Fall 2021 Influence Magazine
Smith, Bryan & Myers: Runner Up Lobbying Firm of the Year
Fall 2021 Influence Magazine
Matt Bryan: Runner Up Lobbyist of the Year
Fall 2022 Influence Magazine
Matt Bryan: Influence 150, Most Influential People in Florida Politics
