Government and Community Relations - University of Florida

Mike Murtha serves as Manager of State Government Relations.  His responsibilities include coordination and communication of UF's advocacy efforts in Tallahassee, ensuring a concise and steady flow of critical information between the University's Leadership Team, their stakeholders, and the policymakers in both the Executive and Legislative branches of state government.

Over almost four decades, Mike's professional career has included service as a senior aide to members of UF's Gator Caucus, including Senator George Kirkpatrick (R-Gainesville), Senator Rod Smith (D-Alachua), and Speaker pro tempore Chuck Clemons (R-Newberry). Furthermore, he was selected to lead the Agency for Healthcare Administration's advocacy efforts as its Legislative Affairs Director.

In the private sector, Mike was a trade association president from 2008-2016, lobbying the legislative and executive branches on issues concerning construction, development, transportation, and apprenticeship.  In addition, his background lists lobbying on behalf of health care clients on the state and national level.

Just before joining the UF Government Relations Team, Mike served proudly as an aide to Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach).

Mike and his wife, Michele, have been members of the Tallahassee community since 2007, when they moved from Gainesville with their two children, Aidan Michael and Reagan Elizabeth Rois.