Originally from Tallahassee, Dana graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Political Science.  Since beginning her career in Central Florida, she has worked in many arenas of government relations including public, private, not-for-profit, and campaigns.

In July 2002, Dana joined Orlando Regional Healthcare as the Manager of Government Relations with a focus on local government issues in the City of Orlando, and Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. During this time Dana led Orlando Regional’s effort to obtain funding for Central Florida’s only Level I Trauma Center and was successful in obtaining the first local public dollars for the trauma center -  $3.2 million from four local governments.

In February 2004 Dana was promoted to Director of Government Relations, overseeing the Government Relations staff and functions for the organization on the federal, state, and local levels.  Dana’s specific focus was on state and federal policy issues, federal appropriations, and local government affairs.

Prior to joining Orlando Regional Healthcare served as Public-Affairs Coordinator for Orange County under Mayor Richard Crotty, and was responsible for the county's state and federal legislative agenda including items relating to transportation, healthcare, growth management, and public safety.  Dana also served as campaign manager for Bill Sublette's bid for Congress in 2000, and managed incoming Speaker-of-the-House Tom Feeney's re-election campaign. Dana began her career in 1997 as a Legislative Aide for Representative Lee Constantine.

Dana is a graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 57 and serves on the Board of Directors for the Coalition of the Homeless.