- Address
- 78 West Church Street
- Suite 200
- Orlando, Florida 32801
- Telephone: 407.650.5052
- Facsimile: 407.650.2069
Oscar Anderson
Oscar is a native of Central Florida and has extensive background in government. Prior to joining Southern Strategy Group, Oscar has served in the legislative and executive branches at the local, state, and federal levels. Oscar became a government expert that understands firsthand how to move bureaucracy to effect change. After more than a decade of government service, Oscar was dubbed “politically connected” by the St. Petersburg Times.
From 1998 to 2000, Oscar served as the chief lobbyist for Orange County Chairman Mel Martinez. When President Bush asked Chairman Martinez to serve as U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary, Oscar moved to Washington, D.C. in 2000. As an integral part of Secretary Martinez’s senior staff, Oscar managed the Congressional office and later was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff. Oscar specialized in the appropriations process and negotiated the passage of $75 million for the Administration’s American Dream Downpayment Initiative.
Returning to Florida was important to Oscar, and in 2003, he was offered a position as Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary at the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). During Oscar’s tenure at DCA, he directed passage of the landmark Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act legislation and had a key role in the passage of the first overhaul to the state’s growth management laws in 20 years.
Oscar is an active member of the MetroOrlando Economic Development Council’s government affairs teams and serves on the MyRegion.Org Board of Directors, a collaboration of public, private, and institutional leaders creating a growth management and economic development vision for Central Florida.
In May of 2008, Governor Crist appointed Oscar to Chair the Affordable Housing Study Commission, making recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on affordable housing policy for the state.
