Testimonials
“Smith Bryan & Myers’ business sense and can-do attitude set them apart from other government relations firms. These are creative problem solvers who find a path forward and follow it tenaciously until they reach their goal.”
William G. Sawyer, President and CEO
HydroMentia, Inc.
“When Shands decided to seek major tort reform legislation, we hired David Daniel at the firm of Smith, Bryan and Myers to get it through the Legislature. We succeeded the first time, thanks to the strategy plan and work ethic of David Daniel and his Firm.”
Tim Goldfarb, CEO
Shands HealthCare
"Our relationship with Smith, Bryan & Myers has been key to our success in Florida. With their guidance we have won new contracts and developed strong relationships with officials throughout FL State Government."
Jamie Gagnon, Government Affairs & Business Development Manager
L-1 Identity Solutions
"When a company or leading association needs results in Florida, they can't go wrong with David Daniel as he is experienced, respected and he simply gets the job done for his clients - period."
Mark Wilson, President and CEO
Florida Chamber of Commerce
"Smith, Bryan and Myers bring energy, creativity, and just plain effort to every assignment; they set the standard for professionalism in the lobbying industry."
Tony Marshall, Executive Vice President
Florida Health Care Association
"Smith Bryan and Myers created a law to encourage the State of Florida to do business with companies like ours. Today we have three contracts with the State and we are negotiating another. The firm is respected by legislators and staff alike -- and it is easy to see that they enjoy representing us."
Jennifer McMullen, Vice President for Customer Relations
Corrections Corporation of America
"Smith Bryan and Myers agreed to represent us when we weren't much of a force in the legislature -- they rolled up their sleeves and got to work immediately. Today, we have a statewide presence and have good relationships with the leadership in both parties. Everyone knows they work hard, but they also bring a depth and creativity to the process that is not often seen from advocates."
Richard Hancock, Executive Vice President
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association
Ronald Villella
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Ronald Villella joined Smith, Bryan & Myers in 1993 as Vice-President. Prior to joining the firm, he successfully managed the statewide campaign of Florida Attorney General Bob Butterworth and became his Chief-of-Staff after the election. In this capacity, he supervised a departmental staff of 800 and the development of all legislative, Cabinet and administrative priority for the Department of Legal Affairs.
He began his political and governmental career in 1972 when he was elected to the City Commission of Pembroke Pines, Broward County, Florida. He subsequently was elected the youngest Mayor of a major city in the county. He served as the South Florida Coordinator of Governor's Bob Graham's first campaign and Deputy Campaign Manger during his successful re-election campaign.
He served as Governor Graham's first Director of Administration, managing the daily operations of the Governor's Office and was then appointed Director of the Division of Labor, Employment and Training within the Department of Labor.
Since joining the firm, he has directed many successful and administrative efforts on the behalf of the firm's clients, including:
Representing a client in obtaining a contract to manage a comprehensive financial portfolio for a local government.
Securing a contract to provide health care service for the Department of Corrections.
Advising and representing clients on a variety of issues before the Florida Cabinet, including state revenue and tax collection issues, environmental permits, land buying programs and highway safety issues.
Offering an extensive knowledge of state and local government political and public policy issues and the impact they have on businesses.
Ronald Villella graduated from Tallahassee Community College before attending The Citadel Military College on a football scholarship in 1965.