Zayne Smith, AARP Florida's Director of Advocacy, Honored Among State's Top Exceptional Women in Public Service and Government

TALLAHASSEE – Sept. 20, 2023 – Zayne Smith, Director of Advocacy for AARP Florida, has been recognized as being one of 41 exceptional women across the state for her accomplishments in government and public service.

The Above and Beyond Awards, sponsored by City & State Florida and The News Service of Florida, was presented on September 19 and honored women in government and public service who are shaping key policies, driving transformative changes, and going above and beyond in serving the people of Florida.

“This recognition is meaningful in so many ways,” said Smith. “It was an honor to be nominated and a privilege to be selected as a recipient of the award. While this was an individual award, it would not be possible without the support of an amazing advocacy team, State office, and all our Florida volunteers.”

Smith, who joined AARP in 2014, is an experienced policy advocate at the state and national level, and oversees the Florida team, leading AARP's advocacy efforts on various issues such as long-term care, prescription drugs, healthcare, utilities, guardianship, state budget and transportation issues. She also works closely with volunteer leaders and the general public, empowering them to advocate for issues that impact them the most.

She has also represented AARP Florida on the Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders, Guardianship Improvement Task Force, Professional Fiduciary Council of Florida, Department of Elder Affairs Florida State Plan on Aging Advisory Group, National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition and the Florida Don’t Text & Drive Coalition.

Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of West Alabama and her law degree from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/espanol, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol, and @AARPadvocates on social media.