Prominent DeSantis Fundraiser Heather Barker Joins Tallahassee Consulting Firm

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Government affairs firm Capital City Consulting announced that former senior advisor to Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) Heather Barker has been hired by the firm.

The former senior advisor will head the firm’s political fundraising, charitable and non-profit fundraising, and assist in “business development and the facilitation of business-to-business strategic partnerships,” according to Capital City Consulting’s press release.

“We are very excited to have Heather join the Capital City Consulting team said Capital City Consulting Co-Founder Nick Iarossi. “Not only will Heather’s long and impressive resume help boost our service offerings for our existing and future clients, but her unique insight and skillset will help us reach and exceed our business development and strategic partnership goals.”

The Co-Founder of the firm continued, “Heather's influence extends beyond fundraising into political campaigns, committees, super PACs, non-profits, and business development. From presidential campaigns to issue advocacy, she has skillfully designed and executed plans centered around cultivating meaningful relationships, and we look forward to her bringing this acumen to Capital City Consulting.”

Furthermore, Barker stated that she is excited to join the group as she has watched them grow and expand over time.

“I am thrilled to join the team of outstanding professionals at Capital City Consulting,” said Barker. “I have watched their firm for years as they have grown in size and in notable success. I look forward to leading their fundraising efforts and collectively helping to grow the business, its reach, partnerships and services.”

Barker served as the primary fundraiser for Gov. DeSantis for six years and was elevated to senior advisor for his 2022 and 2024 campaigns.

She was recognized as the 2023 AAPC Campaign Excellence Award for National Fundraiser of the Year.

Capital City Consulting serves clients including “Fortune 500, association, coalition and corporate clients before the Florida Legislature and executive branch agencies.”

Jackson Bakich

Born in Orlando but raised in Lake County, Florida, Jackson Bakich is currently a senior at Florida State University. Growing up in the sunshine state, Bakich co-hosted the political talk radio show "Lake County Roundtable" (WLBE) and was a frequent guest for "Lake County Sports Show" (WQBQ). Currently, he is the Sports Editor of the FSView and the co-host of "Tomahawk Talk" (WVFS), a sports talk radio program covering Florida State athletics in Tallahassee.