TEAM / Emily Colón

Emily Colón joins The Southern Group’s Orlando office bringing over a decade of executive leadership experience in local government, with deep expertise in budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational transformation.

Prior to joining the firm, Emily served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Lakeland, overseeing key operational departments including public works, water utilities, community and economic development, and the Office of Innovation and Strategy. She also served as the city’s principal legislative liaison and led the strategic planning process alongside the mayor and city commission. During her tenure, she developed the city’s COVID-19 response, chaired numerous internal initiatives, and frequently served as acting city manager.

Emily’s public service career began as a Gubernational Fellow under former Florida Governor Rick Scott before progressing into local government leadership in Pasco County, There, she advanced through key roles, including budget manager and program administrator. She played a central role in the county’s $241 million general obligation bond initiative and led cross-departmental budget and planning efforts. She is a certified public manager, an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida, and an active voice in national thought leadership on local government management.

Emily holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in international business from the University of South Florida. She currently resides in Central Florida and remains actively engaged in professional associations focused on leadership development and local government innovation.