BRADENTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan today announced the hire of Tara Poulton to serve as his new district director. She will replace long-time district director and one of his first congressional hires, Sally Shely, who is retiring.
“I am very pleased to welcome Tara to my office," said Buchanan. "Her communications skills, combined with her passion for public policy and heart for constituent services make her the ideal person for this position. I look forward to working with her in the years ahead to seize the incredible opportunities we have to improve our quality of life and tackle the many challenges facing our district.”
Tara joins Buchanan’s team having served as the vice president of public policy and workforce partnerships with the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce. Her prior experience includes serving as a division director and county spokesperson for DeSoto County Government and the senior government affairs regional manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Tara received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of South Florida and will be graduating this summer from Florida State University with her Master’s in Public Administration.
“I am beyond excited to be joining the office of Congressman Buchanan,” said Poulton. “It will be a true honor to follow in Sally Shely's footsteps and all she has accomplished in her 25+ year congressional career. I am thrilled to be returning to the public sector and eager to serve the constituents in the greater Manatee area and southern Hillsborough County.”
In the community, Tara is a board Member of the Manatee Tiger Bay Club, Manatee Education TV and Manatee Technical College. She is also a graduate of Leadership Manatee and is a past president of the Leadership Manatee Alumni Association. She has also received several awards from the Florida Public Relations Association and the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Tara, her husband Bill and family call Manatee County home and reside in Lakewood Ranch.
Poulton will be taking over the role of district director when Shely officially retires at the end of July.
“From day one, Sally has demonstrated the leadership, work-ethic and professionalism that has made her one of the most respected district directors in Congress,” said Buchanan. “Her dedication to our community along with the relationships she has cultivated in Southwest Florida have unquestionably helped make me a better representative. While she will be greatly missed in the office, Sandy and I want to congratulate Sally on her retirement and thank her for her selfless service to the people of Florida’s 16th congressional district.”
Shely began working for Buchanan in 2006 as the communications director for his first campaign. She then joined his full-time staff as communications director and then district director, where she led the congressman’s efforts to assist constituents during the COVID pandemic, as well as his hurricane relief and recovery efforts.
"It has been a great honor and a privilege to work with Vern on behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District," said Shely. "I am truly thankful for every opportunity he has given me to advocate for his constituents and help advance his agenda to reduce spending, grow the economy and protect our freedom. Although I look forward to retirement, I will sincerely miss being part of this amazing team."
During Shely’s tenure, she coordinated congressional outreach, including more than 70 town halls, and established awards programs honoring district law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers and veterans. Additionally, she helped lead the congressman’s response to important issues, including Piney Point, red tide and the opioid crisis.
Shely is retiring with more than 27 years of experience as a congressional staffer, having also served as the regional director for former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, district director for Congresswoman Katherine Harris and in Washington, DC and New Hampshire as communications director for Congressman Charles Bass and press secretary for Congressman Bill Zeliff.
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