Kitty Headshot
Get to know

Kitty McGowan

Fort Lauderdale has been my home for more than 50 years. I’m privileged to have gotten to know so many people in our community through my childhood and career. I have many fond memories of spending time on the water with my family and friends here in the Venice of America. That lifelong love and need to protect our waterways and unique community lifestyle became my passion and the focus of my career.

We’ve all been witness to the rapid growth and development of our city. Fort Lauderdale is no longer the sleepy winter playground or Spring Break haven of the past. It has become a vibrant, exciting and diverse city with many opportunities and new attractions. Unfortunately, protecting our environment, lifestyle and safety has not been met with the same attention, focus or investment.

I’ve spent my career successfully solving complex issues and challenges at the City, County, State and Federal levels, by bringing a new approach and fresh perspective developed through years of experience. I’ve been a relentless champion for our City and marine community for more than 30 years and I want to bring my home-grown passion, proven hands-on experiences and innovative approach to City Hall to represent the residents of District IV.

My company

NautiCom Communications

Established in 1999, NautiCom Communications Inc. is a woman-owned business with a strong record of success. As an association management and event company, my team and I have successfully generated and managed millions of dollars for our client’s respective missions, created dynamic public relations campaigns as well as developed and implemented a variety of non-profit events and environmental programs at the local, national and international levels that generated millions of dollars of support for those charities. I’ve spent my entire career being a successful champion for my clients by working collaboratively for positive change. I’ve advocated on behalf of South Florida in Tallahassee on a multitude of political issues and passed Federal and International legislation to benefit the yachting industry and the hundreds of thousands of jobs and economic impact they represent.

I’m experienced at how to get things done and will continue that mission for the citizens of Fort Lauderdale.

A glimpse into my governmental experience!

Current & Previous Association Management Clients

U.S. Superyacht Association

(USSA)

Marine Council of Miami

Executives’ Association of Greater Miami

The oldest association in the state of Florida

Greater Sunrise Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Himmarshee Village Association

(DHVA)

South Florida Interactive Marketing Association

(SFIMA)

Previous Event Clients

Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament

Los Suenos International Billfish Tournament Series

Fort Lauderdale Kingfish Classic

(SKA Tour)

Palm Harbor Marina

Ground Breaking and Grand Opening

Roscioli Yachting Center

Ground Breaking and Grand Opening

Make Mine a Million

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

National Fishing Coordinator

Fisher Island Fishing Tournament

Business Organizations (Past and Present)

Fort Lauderdale Marine Advisory Board

Appointed for three terms

Marine Industries Association of South Florida Board of Directors

Broward County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Appointed to the Marketing and Advisory Council 

National Marine Trades Council Chair

American Society of Association Executives

Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club Downtown

Broward Days

Co-Team Leader – Marine Industry

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Appointed by Governor for three terms

National Association of Woman Business Owners

(NAWBO)

Leadership Broward

Class XXV

Community & Charitable Organizations

(Past & Present)

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Advisory Board & Voice of the Parade

Broward Navy Days & Fleet Week

Take A Hero Fishing

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Trustee Member

Coastal Conservation Association

The Billfish Foundation

International Game Fish Association

Caymus Wine Event to Benefit Dwight Stephenson & Cystic Fibrosis Foundations Committee

Hurricane Dorian Relief Committee

The Inspire Initiative

Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Pinion Board Member

Fundraising arm for Special Olympics

Superbowl Host Committees

Miami Dolphins Weekend Fundraising Committee

Environmental Engagement

Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board

Waterfront Recreational Access Plan

Biscayne Bay Economic Impact Study

Know more about

Our Priorities

No matter how much this City continues to grow, it’s the heart of our citizens that defines who we are and I’m proud to be one of you.

Let’s work together to make our City the best it can be.

 

01

Preserve & Protect Our Waterway Environment

02

Improve our Infrastructure and Transportation

03

Improve & Protect Our Public Safety

 

04

Create Affordable & Workforce Housing

05

Protecting our Marine Industry Economy