Cynthia A. Henderson’s stellar career in government relations and administrative law has spanned more than two decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to facilitating productive connections between clients and government entities. Since 2003, she has excelled as the owner of Cynergy Consulting, a government consulting firm she founded to help clients navigate the complexities of working with state, federal and local agencies. Her expertise lies primarily within the executive and administrative branches of state government, where she is recognized for her deep understanding of legislative processes and regulatory frameworks.
Through Cynergy Consulting, Ms. Henderson closely monitors ongoing legislative activities, communicates regularly with legislators and their aides, and maintains strong relationships built on trust and transparency. She is known for keeping her clients informed about budgetary matters and appropriations, managing reports on legislative progress, and introducing clients to key agency contacts to enhance their credibility and contract opportunities.
In addition to her primary responsibilities with Cynergy, Ms. Henderson manages a law firm specializing in administrative law. She assists professionals licensed by the state of Florida who encounter delays or challenges in obtaining business licenses, working directly with regulatory agencies to expedite these processes whenever possible. Her hands-on approach includes spending significant time at the legislature, engaging with aides and building rapport that benefits her clients’ interests.
From 2003 to 2009, Ms. Henderson found success as a partner at Cynthia A. Henderson, P.A., where she further honed her skills in administrative law and advocacy. Her legal acumen was complemented by her ability to foster genuine connections within the legal community and among her clientele.
Between 2001 and 2003, Ms. Henderson was active as secretary of the Department of Management Services for the state of Florida. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in modernizing state operations, implementing technology solutions that improved efficiency across various departments.
Ms. Henderson’s tenure as secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation from 1999 to 2001 stands out as a period of significant achievement. During this time, she spearheaded public service initiatives that transformed how licensing was handled in Florida. Notably, she led the creation of an online licensing system that reduced wait times for construction industry licenses from up to two years to just days, enabling aspiring tradespeople to launch their businesses swiftly and addressing critical employment needs statewide. She also developed programs allowing high school and junior college students early access to licensing exams so they could transition directly into the workforce after graduation. Her commitment to elevating hardworking staff regardless of educational background underscored her dedication to practical solutions and community support.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Henderson served as in-house counsel, where she worked closely with Jeb Bush on major development projects in Miami. Their collaboration on securing government approvals laid the groundwork for her later roles in state government following Governor Bush’s election.
Throughout her professional journey, Ms. Henderson has been involved in industry organizations that reflect her leadership within the field. She was appointed as president of the Tallahassee Republican Women’s Club Federation from 2009 to 2010 and as state committee woman for the Republican Party of Florida from 2004 to 2010. Additionally, she contributed as an alumni board member at Stetson University from 1999 to 2010. A former board member and treasurer for the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists, Ms. Henderson’s membership on the administrative law committee of The Florida Bar further highlights her standing among peers.
Ms. Henderson distinguishes herself through an exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships both professionally and within the communities she serves. Her empathetic approach ensures that clients’ voices are heard while empowering them to thrive in complex regulatory environments. She believes that hard work, availability at all times for clients and honest communication are essential qualities for success in her field.
Ms. Henderson’s legacy is also reflected through mentorship within her family; her daughter worked alongside her for fourteen years before pursuing independent opportunities as a professional lobbyist for the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She takes pride in supporting her children’s ambitions while fostering an environment where women are empowered within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Ms. Henderson’s academic foundation began at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance in 1982. She continued her studies at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida, earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1985. She fostered a lifelong aspiration to become a real estate lawyer, which eventually evolved into broader legal practice after formative experiences working with influential leaders such as Jeb Bush on high-profile development projects.
Ms. Henderson attributes much of her success to hard work and dedication instilled by her mother’s encouragement that anything was possible if pursued with determination. This mindset shaped her approach throughout her career, as she is always striving to help others connect with opportunities while serving her community with compassion.
Ms. Henderson has been honored on multiple occasions over the years, including recognition among the Top 50 Over 50 in Hawaii and the Top 50 Women in Business for the State of Florida. She was also presented with the David and Goliath Award and the Influential Lobbyist Lobbying Win of the Year Award. Likewise, she was celebrated for achieving substantial changes with a major pharmacy benefit manager. A highlight remains her collaboration with Governor Jeb Bush during a transformative era for Florida’s government services delivery; together, they helped move state operations from paper-based systems to digital platforms that streamlined licensing processes and improved access for citizens statewide.
Beyond professional accomplishments, Ms. Henderson is deeply committed to civic engagement through passion projects that reflect her values. One initiative provides financial support to foster children so they can participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or dance which happens to be inspired by her own background as a ballerina and ensures these children have opportunities often unavailable due to limited resources within foster families. Another project focuses on trail advocacy, working alongside one of the founders of the Florida Trail; she remains dedicated to connecting its entire length across the state.
Looking toward the future, Ms. Henderson aims to sustain and cultivate a robust community of professional women within the lobbying industry, empowering them not only to succeed but also to lead powerfully within their roles. She also hopes to continue her work on legacy projects that foster growth and opportunity for others throughout Florida communities. Moreover, Ms. Henderson is devoted to nurturing future generations both professionally and personally through mentorship and community service.