Lee Hinkle
Vice President for University Relations and Advancement

As Florida State University’s Vice President for University Relations and Advancement, Lee F. Hinkle is responsible for the university’s outreach to alumni, friends, fans and the community. Her duties include supervision of the FSU Foundation, Seminole Boosters, Alumni Association, Government Relations and University Communications. In addition, she is responsible for the university’s special events and community relations.

Ms. Hinkle has more than two decades of experience advocating for positive change on public policy issues affecting Florida’s citizens. Her expertise includes government affairs, political strategy, public policy development, public relations and marketing.

Prior to being named Vice President for University Relations and Advancement in April 2003, Ms. Hinkle was a governmental and public affairs consultant. Her career has included serving as President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida FREE, a political research organization. She was Senior Vice President for Government Affairs of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, where she was responsible for designing and implementing long-term strategic advocacy and grassroots programs. She also worked as Director of Government Relations for the Hospital Corporation of America.

Born in Maine, Ms. Hinkle was raised in Hillsborough County, Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University.

Ms. Hinkle has served on numerous boards and been actively involved in community service throughout her career. In 2001, she received a gubernatorial appointment to serve as Vice Chair of the inaugural Florida State University Board of Trustees. Ms. Hinkle also served as a member of the Florida Commission on Ethics; is past president, chairman and current board member of Capital Tiger Bay Club; and is a member of the Economic Club of Florida. She is a member of Leadership Florida and the Florida Advisory Council for the Trust for Public Land.

Ms. Hinkle is also the recipient of several honors and awards, including the Circle of Gold from the Florida State University Alumni Association, the Alumni Recognition Award from FSU's College of Human Science, Phi Kappa Phi, the Athena Award from the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and the Spotlight Award presented by the Tallahassee Chapter of Women in Communication.

Ms. Hinkle resides in Tallahassee with her husband Cliff Hinkle. They have a grown son, Ross.