Pamela Burch Fort Recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for Her Contributions to Government and Politics

TALLAHASSEE, FL, September 25, 2025 – Marquis Who’s Who has honored Pamela Burch Fort, a prominent figure in the fields of government and politics, by including her in their esteemed biographical volumes. This recognition is based on a thorough evaluation of accomplishments, visibility, and established prominence in the industry.

A Trailblazer in Advocacy and Public Service

Ms. Fort’s career is characterized by her dedication to leadership and advocacy. A native of Panama City, Florida, she has made significant contributions to the political landscape in Florida, leading various initiatives aimed at enhancing social justice and protecting civil liberties.

Professional Achievements

Since 1995, Pamela Burch Fort has been the founder and president of The Commerce Group in Tallahassee. She is recognized as the longest-serving Black female owner of a lobbying firm in Florida. Throughout her career, she has represented large corporations, local governments, and diverse nonpartisan organizations, including the ACLU of Florida, Common Cause Florida, and the Florida NAACP, among others.

In her role, Ms. Fort focuses on issues of civil rights, civil liberties, and the safeguarding of democracy, consulting with political candidates, and managing the political web portal FortReport.com. Her strategic counsel is deeply rooted in a commitment to diversifying her expertise across various sectors.

Legislative Experience

Before founding her lobbying firm, Ms. Fort spent 16 years in the Florida Legislature, beginning her career there in 1979 as a floating analyst in the President’s Office. She is noted for having served on nearly every Senate committee staff, a role that provided her with a comprehensive understanding of legislative processes. Notably, during a banking crisis in the early 1980s, she was appointed as the staff director for the Senate Commerce Committee, a position held for 12 years, during which she was one of the few minorities in such a role.

Impactful Legislation

One of Ms. Fort’s hallmark achievements includes her pivotal role in drafting landmark legislation in the early 1990s that positioned Florida as the first state to take legal action against Big Tobacco. This legislative effort led to a groundbreaking $17 billion settlement, marking a significant shift in public health policy and providing annual funds for Medicaid programs in Florida.

Educational Background

Ms. Fort holds a Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law, obtained in 1977, coupled with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Government from the same institution in 1975. Her educational pursuits were inspired by her parents, both educators who instilled in her the values of community service and advocacy from a young age.

Recognitions and Community Involvement

Ms. Fort’s contributions to government and politics have garnered her numerous accolades, including:

• Ranked among the Top 100 Florida Women in Politics by News Service of Florida in 2023
• Recipient of the Carrie P. Meek Award from the Florida Legislative Black Caucus in 2022
• Alumni Service Award from Florida State University College of Law in 2021

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Fort is actively involved in community organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the NAACP. She also connects with her faith community at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

Legacy and Family

As a devoted family member, Ms. Fort finds joy in her role as a spouse, mother of two adult children, and grandmother to three grandchildren. She remains committed to mentoring future leaders, encouraging them to focus on the needs of others and the importance of effective communication in public service.

About Marquis Who’s Who®

Established in 1899, Marquis Who’s Who® is a respected biographical resource chronicling the lives of notable individuals across various fields, including politics, business, education, and more. Their comprehensive publications serve as a valuable tool for researchers and professionals worldwide.