Episode S1:07: Rachel Keesling

Rachel Keesling, Executive Director, Southwest Florida League of Cities & Former Mayor of the City of Punta Gorda, FL

“As Tip O’Neal would say, “All Politics is local”. City government is the only level of government that one actively chooses through where they live, and of all levels of government, it has the most impact on their life.”

— Rachel Keesling

Rachel Keesling is the Executive Director of the Southwest Florida League of Cities. She served four terms on the Punta Gorda City Council, and was Mayor between 2013-14 and between 2015 and 2018. While on City Council, Rachel represented Punta Gorda on several boards and committees including: Tourist Development Council, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Arts & Humanities, and served as president of the Southwest Florida League of Cities.

Rachel participated in the Florida League of Cities by serving on the Policy Committee – Utilities, Natural Resources & Public Works (formerly Energy, Environment & Natural Resources). Rachel is committed to making a difference in her community.