EDC Investor Categories: President's Council

Husch Blackwell

Husch Blackwell is a different kind of law firm built on long-term partnerships and a culture of selfless service. We help clients achieve business success by providing leading legal strategies, creative solutions that blend technology and teamwork, and more than 900 attorneys who deliver unmatched personal service in uncommon ways.

Unlike other national firms, Husch Blackwell is structured top to bottom around client industries so teams with diverse experience across practice areas can readily tap collective knowledge and resources to help our clients solve the world’s most complex challenges. Everything we do is designed to make it easy for clients to do business with our firm.

  • We are the only law firm to be recognized by both the CLOC LIO Project and ACC Value Champion award series for our ability to deliver legal solutions that cut spending, improve predictability and achieve better outcomes.
  • We are among only 7% of all law firms using artificial intelligence tools that also staff an in-house Data Science team to elevate the design of new solutions.
  • In 2022, our firm achieved a world-class Net Promoter Score® (85), far exceeding the industry average (32).
  • The Link – the Am Law 200’s first and widely renowned all-virtual office recognized by The Wall Street Journal – is changing the way we work for the better. The office has rapidly grown to include 200+ attorneys and 600+ total members located across 35+ states.
  • Inclusion is an important value of how we do business and an integral part of our outreach efforts, operations and strategic plans, and we are proud to have been recognized for our efforts with Mansfield Certification Plus for four consecutive years and a perfect score on Corporate Equality Index for seven consecutive years.




Jamie Lawless

Over the course of a 25-year career in the professional services industry, Jamie has developed a keen awareness that client service and satisfaction are the foundation of any firm’s success. She has routinely been tasked with envisioning, building, and implementing service delivery models that challenge existing approaches and that drive institutional excellence.As Husch Blackwell’s Chief Executive-elect—she will assume the Chief Executive role on February 1, 2024—Jamie works side by side with the firm’s current chief executive and others in firm leadership to guide the firm’s strategic direction and operations. As Chief Executive, Jamie will direct and oversee the overall performance, profitability, and finances of the firm, leading nearly 2,000 partners, attorneys, and business professionals. She will implement and execute the firm’s existing three-year strategic plan and play a principal role in the next strategic planning cycle. Jamie will lead all the firm’s management and administrative departments and oversee the initiatives and strategies implemented at the business-unit level by the firm’s six business units.Before joining Husch Blackwell, Jamie spent a decade at Baker McKenzie, where she built from the ground up a business and alternative legal services center that served each of that firm’s 74 offices across 45 countries. During her tenure there, Jamie held many leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer for offices in Washington and New York, two of the country’s leading legal markets, while leading global modernization projects and earning the trust of lawyers, which enabled her to serve on the firm’s Global Leadership Team, Global Risk Committee, and North America Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Committee.

Jamie Lawless
Chief Executive Elect

Republic Bank

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Republic Bank has grown to become the largest locally-owned community bank in Kentucky. With 45 banking centers in Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, Tennessee and Ohio, and $5.1 billion in assets, Republic is dedicated to meeting the needs of consumers, small business owners and large corporations by offering a full range of competitive products and services while providing highly personalized service.




James E. Kirkpatrick

James E. Kirkpatrick is the Florida Market President of Republic Bank which has seven (7) Banking Centers in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. Jim joined Republic Bank in 2017 as the Hillsborough Market Manager and moved into his current role in 2019. A native of Philadelphia, Jim moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2012 following a 28-year banking career which included the role of Chief Lending Officer at Roma Bank of Robbinsville, NJ and at the former Leesport Bank (Tompkins Financial) in Reading, PA from 1998 through 2012.

Jim is active with numerous Boards and Non-Profit organizations in the Tampa Bay Region to include Advisory Board at Ronald McDonald House Charities, Board Member on the Urban League of Hillsborough County, Board Member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – North Florida Region, Executive Committee of the Gasparilla Bowl 2022, Past President of the Rotary Club of Tampa – Westshore and was recently named to the Board of Directors for the Florida Bankers Association.

James E. Kirkpatrick
Florida Market President

Southern States Material Handling

Southern States Material Handling is the provider of Toyota’s world class material handling solutions to customers across a multitude of industries including, but not limited to, distribution, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, ports, education, and logistics. The diverse range of solutions include forklifts, fleet optimization, robotics/automation, conveyor, racking, facility planning, and lean management consulting. SSMH keeps America’s industries moving while being guided by the “five main principles of Toyoda”: Always be faithful to your duties, thereby contributing to the company and the overall good. Always be studious and creative, striving to stay ahead of the times. Always be practical and avoid frivolousness. Always strive to build a homelike atmosphere at work that is warm and friendly. Always have respect for God and remember to be grateful at all times. In addition to providing premier solutions to customers, SSMH also provides best in class benefits, compensation, and development to it’s associates and has been voted one of Florida’s “Best Companies To Work For.”




David Bailey

David served in the US Army where he protected our country and freedoms for over 22 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel leading Operations & Finance for Central Command. He transitioned to Toyota Material Handling in 2013 where he started as General Manager and worked his way up to leading the organization as President. David was drawn to the Toyota principles of “Monozukuri Wa Hitozukuri” (Building Things is Building People) and “Kaizen” (Continuous Improvement) which immediately resonated with his approach to leadership and operational excellence. Under his guidance the company has continued to grow in headcount, locations, solutions offerings, market share, revenue, and profitability. David is also passionate about serving the community and actively gives his time in support of the STAR veteran transition program and Southeastern Guide Dogs. He and his wife Crystal have 6 children and are avid Oklahoma Sooners fans.

David Bailey
President

Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, Earth’s best employer, and Earth’s safest place to work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon.




Sam Blatt

Sam Blatt is Amazon’s Economic Development Manager for the Southeast United States and is charged with advocating for the approval and development of Amazon’s fulfillment network in partnership with policymakers and community stakeholders. His work involves reducing time, cost, and uncertainty associated with projects, and ensuring Amazon is positioned to be a successful long-term community partner.

Sam Blatt
Manager, Economic Development

Vistra Communications

Vistra Communications LLC, (Vistra) is an SBA 8(a) and service-disabled veteran-owned small business providing integrated strategic communications, marketing and consulting services to corporate, government and nonprofit clients, with offices in Tampa, FL and Northern Virginia.  Vistra, founded in 2007, is an award-winning company comprised of a team of nearly 100 diverse professionals with varied experiences, backgrounds and training, producing exceptional results for clients in a variety of industries.




Maureen Butler

As Vistra’s Executive Vice President, Maureen is involved in all aspects of Vistra’s strategy, administration, operations and financial management. She served as CFO from the company’s founding in 2007 until 2016. Maureen was a key player in establishing Vistra’s administrative and financial operations including accounting, HR and contracting.

Maureen’s experiences as a U.S. Army Finance Officer, staff accountant with a property management company and small CPA firm, and consultant to small businesses and nonprofits have enabled her to contribute to the growth and development of Vistra. Maureen spent 4 years as an Accounting Professor at the University of South Florida and 9 years at The University of Tampa where she earned tenure prior to leaving academia to join Vistra full time in 2019. She is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at The University of Tampa teaching Financial Management in their Nonprofit Management Program. She has published research in the areas of nonprofit management, defense contracting and outsourcing in the Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, the Journal of Business Research and the Journal of Accountancy.

A Certified Public Accountant licensed in Florida and Virginia, Maureen holds a B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. She is a member of the Hillsborough Education Foundation Program Oversight Committee and a current instructor, former board member and former board treasurer of the Nonprofit Leadership Center.

Maureen Butler
Executive Vice President

Verséa Health

Verséa Health is a diversified life-science company committed to delivering innovative, high-value diagnostic and therapeutic solutions set to improve health care quality and access.

Through strategic industry partnerships we are continuously developing and commercializing products and services that are enhancing clinical management and treatment decisions, leading to better patient care.




Sean Fetcho

Sean Fetcho is the co-founder and CEO of Verséa Health, Inc., a global healthcare company committed to transforming scientific discoveries into applicable health and wellness solutions.

Sean’s shared passion for the evolving healthcare industry and for building early-stage companies prompted him to drive explosive growth for Verséa Health over the past few years.

Prior to Verséa Health, Sean’s roster of early stage and start-up companies includes multiple industries spanning from Agrotech, online consumer magazines and finance.

Sean successfully created, launched, and oversaw 8 highly successful print and digital publication that targeted oncology, pain management and cardiology professionals, all of which remain in circulation today. He was then recruited into a Continuing Medical Education (CME) company where Sean developed and executed on new revenue streams that helped structure the business for an exit. Within 3 years, Aventine (PAINWeek) sold to a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange.

Sean Fetcho
Co-Founder and CEO

BMO Bank

BMO is a leading bank driven by a single purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. Everywhere we do business, we’re focused on building, investing, and transforming how we work to drive performance and continue growing the good. BMO’s expansion into Tampa was driven by the diversity of industries in the region and the surge of companies relocating here. The commercial banking team is focused on a variety of industries, including manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, engineering and construction, food and business services – providing customers with access to BMO’s full array of financial services and industry expertise. commercial.bmo.com. BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC.




John Astrab

John Astrab
West Florida Managing Director of Corporate and Middle Market Banking

Signode

Signode is a leading transit-packaging provider with a proud tradition of offering a range of innovative and effective products and solutions to our customers globally.

With over $2B in revenue, 80+ manufacturing facilities across 6 continents and over 9,000 employees worldwide, Signode is a leading manufacturer of a broad spectrum of transit packaging consumables, tools, software, and equipment that optimize end-of-line packaging operations and protect products in transit.  Signode brings this extensive product portfolio together under hundreds of trusted brands to offer complete transit packaging solutions to its customers.




DEX Imaging

DEX imaging was founded in 2002 with the goal of becoming the nation’s largest independent imaging dealer. Our chairman, Dan Doyle, pioneered the mega-dealer imaging industry, having founded Danka Business Systems in 1977, where he implemented innovative strategies that revolutionized how dealers do business today. His insights have been instrumental in helping his son and DEX imaging’s CEO, Dan Doyle Jr, to reach the company’s short-term benchmarks and long-term goals. We are a dominant force in the marketplace due to our focus on quality service and community outreach.




Dan Doyle Jr.

From a start-up with 11 employees at a single branch location in Tampa, Florida, Dan Doyle Jr has grown DEX imaging to 48 locations nationwide, with over 3,000 employees and over $300 million in annual revenue. Doyle Jr has developed DEX imaging from the ground-up using a slow and steady approach to growth, starting in Florida and expanding via acquisition throughout the Continental United States.

Doyle Jr has been instrumental in conceiving and overseeing innovative business strategies, such as DEX’s Employee Profit Sharing Program, which awards bonuses based on exceptional job performance, and DEX’s Community Outreach Program, which donates one third of the company’s profits to charities and educational programs within the communities it serves. Since DEX’s inception, the company has donated millions of dollars to charities, foundations, and educational programs.

DEX imaging is the recipient of numerous industry awards, including the prestigious Diamond Premier Dealer award by Kyocera for the past 20 years consecutively, the ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta for the past 16 years consecutively, the Elite Dealer Award by OfficeDEALER Magazine, and the Elite Dealer award by ENX Magazine for numerous years since the company’s inception. DEX has also consistently been recognized by JD Power & Associates for Best Customer Experience. Other accolades include being named Best Place to Work by various business journals in the markets where DEX does business.

In June of 2013, Doyle Jr was awarded the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of theYear award in the Technology Industries category. This is an honor only bestowed on businessmen and businesswomen who have founded their own companies while also investing their time, resources and finances to philanthropic initiatives.

In March of 2014, Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed Doyle Jr to his Board of Governors, which governs over the State of Florida’s Public University System. Doyle Jr was quickly confirmed, and was honored to participate in the process of promoting quality higher education for all.

In October of 2020, Doyle Jr was inducted into the prestigious Wayne Huizenga College of Business Hall Of Fame at Nova Southeastern University. Celebrating its 31st year, the Entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame honors the lifetime achievements of outstanding business leaders in the South Florida community.

Prior to founding DEX Imaging, Doyle Jr was the founder and managing partner of a real-estate development and holding company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, responsible for developing, building and managing some of the most distinguished landmark properties in the Tampa Bay area.

Doyle Jr is a Chair of YPO (Young Presidents Organization) and also serves on the Board of Directors for National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the Community Foundation of Tampa, Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Paul’s School, and The Doyle Foundation.

Dan Doyle Jr.
Chief Executive Officer

Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, engineered from the ground up to push the boundaries of education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Poly has about 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students and offers more than 31 programs of study. The University is the only state university in Florida dedicated exclusively to STEM education.




Randy K. Avent

Dr. Randy K. Avent is the founding president of Florida Polytechnic University, the newest of the state’s 12 public universities and the only polytechnic university in the State University System of Florida.

As Florida Polytechnic University’s inaugural president, Avent is responsible for the development and operation of the university and is committed to strategically developing Florida Poly as a research and jobs university, an agent for growth and a beacon for the economy.

His career exemplifies the qualities of innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship the university seeks to instill in students. An accomplished academician, senior administrator and research scientist, Avent has an extensive background teaching and directing research at higher-education institutions dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

At Florida Polytechnic, Avent focused on the core STEM disciplines of engineering, mathematical and physical sciences, which are considered key to economic growth and prosperity for Florida and the nation as a whole. He created a strategic plan that addressed the four largest pressures on higher education in Florida – degree alignment, student success, economic development and affordability – and helped open the university in under two years by creatively building the campus using combinations of state funding, private investments and Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). He formed over 200 partnerships with industry and is working with a local developer to create a 4,500 acre “live-work-play” research park that brings together industry, government and academia. Under Avent’s leadership, the university received both SACSCOC and ABET accreditation in under five years and have built relationships with Fulbright, Killam and other international partners in India and Brazil.

Randy K. Avent
President

Casa Ybor

Casa Ybor is proud to be one of the driving forces behind the exciting revitalization of the Ybor City National Historic Landmark District of Tampa, Florida.

For decades, Ybor City has enjoyed a reputation as a nationally renowned entertainment district. Casa Ybor is focused on contributing to “The Renaissance of Ybor City” as a diverse, vibrant and sustainable business and residential community.

Our properties include a former cigar factory, 7th Avenue storefronts, new mixed-use properties, historic office and retail spaces, warehouse spaces, and contemporary apartment homes for rent and lease in ideal, walkable locations throughout the District.




Darryl Shaw

Darryl Shaw is a developer and investor who is the driving force behind Ybor City’s Gas Worx development – a mixed-use project that will link downtown Tampa, the Channel District and the Latin Quarter.

Named to the Florida 500, as well as the Tampa Bay Power 100 by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Shaw was the Co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners.  Shaw led the company starting in 1996 when he and his brother Neil, a board-certified veterinary internist, opened their first specialty animal care hospital in Tampa.  Eventually the pair took BluePearl national, with more than 50 locations, before they sold the business in 2015.  In 2022, Shaw stepped down as CEO to focus solely on Ybor.  Darryl and Neil are recipients of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the State of Florida.

Born in South Africa, Shaw is a graduate of Brown University with a degree in international commerce.  He also has an MBA in finance and marketing from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. 

Darryl Shaw
Chief Executive Officer

Schiller International University

Schiller International University is a globally recognized university with campuses in Madrid, Paris, Heidelberg, and Tampa. We are accredited in the US and in Europe. We provide students with a truly global experience. A learning-by-living education that enables them to learn immersed in multiple international realities, obtain an accredited degree in future-oriented areas, and create a personalized path to become world-smart professionals. We are honored to be a part of one of the fastest growing cities in the US – Tampa.




Allan Alvarez

Allan Alvarez has more than 20 years of experience in international education. With a master’s degree in Higher Education and specializations in Strategic Leadership and Management and language teaching, he has been a part of the leadership teams in global organizations such as the British Council, Kaplan International, and Amerigo Education. He is the Campus Director at Schiller International University in Tampa since October 2020. Allan speaks four languages, enjoys sports and outdoor activities, and is an avid traveler.

Allan Alvarez
Campus Director, Schiller International University Tampa

Ybor City Chamber of Commerce

Ybor City is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida and The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, celebrating its 92nd  anniversary this year, is focused both on preserving and developing the historic district. Founded in 1886 by Vicente Martinez-Ybor when he moved his cigar factory from Key West to Tampa, Ybor City holds a unique place in Florida’s social and economic history as our state’s “first industrial town.” Primarily a regional entertainment center during the past decade, Ybor City’s central location, great transportation and critical mass of “creative industries” is making it the ‘Greenwich Village’ of Tampa. Historic buildings have been turned into stylish offices, in-town residences and boutique hotels without sacrificing their historic character. In addition to being a top tourist destination, Ybor City is a great place to meet, learn, greet and do business.




Lee Bell

Lee Bell joined the Ybor Chamber as President and CEO in 2019.  Lee has worked as a leading executive in the not-for-profit world for over seven years in local and statewide organizations.  Prior to his not-for-profit roles, Lee founded and operated a multi-million-dollar staffing, recruiting, and human resource business until he sold it. For over twenty years Lee held various leadership posts within Ashland Chemical, a $2.7 billion division of Ashland, Inc..  Lee is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree majoring in accounting.

Lee Bell
President and CEO

Charter Communications

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.




Christopher T. Bailey

Bio coming soon

Christopher T. Bailey
Florida Director, State Government Affairs

Creative Sign Designs

Creative Sign Designs is a nationally-recognized custom sign company focused on providing design-build architectural signage and lighting solutions. With 30 years of experience as an industry-leader, Creative successfully manages local, regional and national projects. Creative provides consultation, design, project management, fabrication and installation services for a full line of interior, exterior and digital sign and lighting products. Creative was founded in 1986 with national headquarters in Tampa, FL and regional representatives in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Charlotte, North Carolina.




Jamie Harden

Jamie Harden is President and CEO of Creative Sign Designs. Creative employs more than 130 people throughout the state of Florida with the majority based at its Tampa headquarters.

The desire to establish permanent roots in the Tampa community, paired with the goal of acquiring and running a local business led Mr. Harden and his family to return to Tampa in April 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Harden was Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Group Market Executive for Bank of America. He served in this role from 1999 to 2005 in various locations including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Kansas City. Prior to these positions with Bank of America, he was a Commercial Banking Group Team Leader in Tampa for NCNB/NationsBank from 1990 to 1999. While at Bank of America, Mr. Harden achieved a Six Sigma Green Belt.

Mr. Harden is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

  • Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
  • Past Chairman of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay
  • Board of Governors of the Florida State University College of Business
  • Executive Committee and Treasurer of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), Florida Chapter
  • Honorary Commander of the US Air Force 927 Air Refueling Wing at MacDill AFB
  • Member Chief Executive Organization
  • Member Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club

Jamie has been married to Melanie Turner Harden for more than 27 years and they have three children – Battle (17), Ellee (14) and Turner (14).

Jamie Harden
President and CEO

Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based health care company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity.




Barbara Dondarski

Barbara is currently the VP, GS Transition Management which is part of the GS Service Excellence and Experience team.  She is responsible globally for initiatives driving Continuous Improvement, Service Recovery and Quality, Integrated Service Management, Data Strategy and Governance and Reporting & Analytics across the GS functions.  In July of 2016, Barbara joined Johnson & Johnson as the Senior Director in charge of Procurement Service Delivery for the North America Region.  In this role, she was responsible for the delivery of the end-to-end Source-to-Settle process from requisition to invoice payment with teams in the US, Manila and in India supporting the regional activity.

Prior to her role at J&J, Barbara was the Director of EMEA Enterprise Supply Chain (ESC) Operations at Citibank, where she was responsible for day-to-day management of Account Payable, T&E and Procurement Operations.  She led a team of 140 Operations staff, with matrix responsibility for all ESC functions at the site.   Barbara has held a variety of Procurement roles in her career, including Strategic Sourcing, Project Management, Systems and Service Delivery.  For her different roles, she has lived in several places in the US, including CT, FL and NJ, and then moved to Budapest, Hungary for 3 years, before returning to Tampa to take her current position at J&J.

She earned her MBA at the University of Florida, and holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Psychology from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.

Barbara Dondarski
VP, GS Transition Management

Hancock Whitney

Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; certain insurance services; and mortgage services. The company also operates a loan production office in Nashville, Tennessee. BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and analysis firm, consistently recommends Hancock Whitney as one of America’s most financially sound banks. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.

 




Jingyi Blank

Hancock Whitney welcomes Jingyi Blank as Vice President & Middle Market Banker. She is responsible for growing new business relationships for companies with annual revenues of more than $20 million. With over 16 years of corporate finance & consulting experience, she held leadership positions in New York & Hong Kong before returning to Florida with her family in 2022. Most recently, she served as a Financial Services Consultant with Spencer Stuart. She earned a BA & Masters from Rice University.

Jingyi Blank
Vice President - Middle Market Banking

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie helps clients overcome the challenges of competing in the global economy. We solve complex legal problems across borders and practice areas. Our unique culture, developed over 65 years, enables our 13,000 people to understand local markets and navigate multiple jurisdictions, working together as trusted colleagues and friends to instill confidence in our clients. Baker McKenzie chose Tampa for the site of its new Global Services Center, the first of its kind in North America, following the success of similar sites in the Philippines and Northern
Ireland.




Renee Agler

Renee Agler is currently the (Interim) Executive Director for Baker McKenzie’s global service center in Tampa and a member of the Firm’s global leadership team. Renee played a key role in building the center from the ground floor and is responsible for providing overall strategic direction to the Center, enabling employees to deliver high-quality business services for the Firm’s stakeholders.

Prior to the Executive Director role, Renee was a seasoned HR leader with a demonstrated history of successfully deploying change management initiatives, executive coaching, and building and implementing HR strategies. Renee is a passionate business leader and strategic influencer who brings an innovative mindset to business issues. Renee believes in creating inclusive workplaces where employees have a sense of belonging and promotes an environment that accepts diverse backgrounds as a way to generate creative and innovative ideas.

Before joining Baker McKenzie, Renee held various HR roles at Raymond James, Charles Schwab, EverBank (now TIAA), and Bank of America.

Renee is passionate about giving back to the community and creating career pathways for future leaders, as evidenced by her roles on the Board of Directors of FL Gulf Coast of Alzheimer’s and the HR Advisory Board for Florida State University. Additionally, Renee contributes to the economic prosperity of Tampa Bay by serving as a member of the Competitiveness Committee with the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council.

Renee has an MBA and is Greenbelt certified.

Renee Agler
Interim Executive Director, Tampa Center

AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a modern media company whose mission is to inspire human progress through the power of communication and entertainment.

We bring together premium video content, a large base of direct-to-consumer relationships, high-speed networks optimized for video and advertising technology to lead the next revolution in technology, media and telecommunications.

AT&T has recorded 35 consecutive years of quarterly dividend growth and is a Fortune 10 company.




Edwin Narain

Former Representative Edwin “Ed” Narain has served the Tampa Bay Community for almost twenty-five years. He has dedicated his life to helping children and the working poor. He has served on the Hillsborough County Community Action Board, the Headstart Policy council and is a member of the Pinellas PACE Center for Girls Board of Directors, and the Saint Leo University Board of Directors.

Professionally, Ed is Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs with AT&T and has earned three Florida Top Performance Manager of the Year awards and two AT&T Summit Awards.

Ed holds a BA degree in Psychology and a Masters in Business Administration from Saint Leo University. In 2013, he completed a Leadership Certificate and earned a Jurist Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law.

As a state legislator, Ed was elected Chairman of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus in 2015, received the 2015 Florida Association of Counties County Champion Award, the 2016 Legislative Appreciation Award from the Florida League of Cities, and earned two Distinguished Advocate Awards.

He and his wife Monica are co-founders of the USF Black Leadership Network that provides scholarships to African American college students.

Edwin Narain
Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs

BNY Mellon Wealth

 

 

BNY Mellon has been managing wealth since America began creating it, providing an unparalleled level of service to private clients, family offices, institutions and endowments alike. We’d like to do the same for you.

 

BNY Mellon Wealth Management clients represent some of the most successful individuals, families and institutions around the world. They often come to us for our results and reputation. But it’s our ability to deliver our capabilities consistently and individually that has brought us the success that matters most—a circle of loyal and highly satisfied clients whose strong relationships stretch across market cycles and generations.

 

Whether you’re happy with your current wealth manager, or considering a search for a new one, get to know why BNY Mellon Wealth Management has a 96% client satisfaction rate.




Sean Maguire

Sean Maguire
Market President

Marcum CPA and Advisors

 

 

With over 300 partners and employees, we operate out of four offices and offer an array of business and financial advisory services to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. We serve clients in industries that include real estate and construction, financial services, manufacturing and distribution, professional services, retail, health care and life sciences. Current practice areas include accounting and auditing, tax, business and HR consulting, employee benefits, exit planning, financial services, information service technology, international tax, investment management, marketing, sales and local tax, staffing, small business, transaction advisory services, and valuation and litigation advisory services.




Patty Hamilton

Patty Hamilton works in the Accounting and Auditing group in Tampa, Florida. She works primarily with closely held businesses and has extensive experience with industries that include manufacturing, distribution, construction and real estate development, financial institutions, insurance brokerages, professional employer organizations and nonprofit organizations. In the Tampa office, she is responsible for the oversight of the accounting and auditing staff group. Patty actively participates in recruiting and mentoring of staff at all levels.

Patty is also in the process of creating a firm charitable foundation to provide a centralized vehicle to capture the various charitable work and donations already taking place at Marcum LLP, and plans to grow the foundation into a meaningful organization that provides value to the firm and the communities where we live and work.

Patty Hamilton
Partner

NextPath Career Partners

NextPath is a boutique recruiting firm servicing both local and national clients to hire outstanding people in professional roles including Sales, Recruiting, Marketing, Customer Success, Executive Leadership, and Consulting. We started in 2018, by a team of career recruiters who thrive on clients and candidates successes.  We know the way to our success is to focus all our efforts on yours.  Simply put when you win we win. At NextPath, our team takes the time to understand your targets to better align us to get you the outcomes that will make a difference.  By having a relationship with each of our customers we truly get your business.  This allows us to make great matches which might not have materialized off searching text on a candidates resume.   This allows us to  elevate beyond being a transactional vendor trying just to fill a job but rather become your “go to”​ provider of talent that can transform your business.  We get incredible satisfaction from seeing our clients and candidates achieve.  It’s our mission to help play a small part of that success in what we do each and every day.  Our goal for NextPath is not to be the biggest recruitment firm but rather we want customers to consistently say we are the best.  We understand there are quicker paths to growth in this strong economy but for our team it is more important to have a brand each of us is proud to call ours than taking shortcuts.




Gina Curry

Gina is Vice President and Co-Founder at NextPath Career Partners. She was born and raised in Tampa, FL, graduating from the University of Florida in 2006.

Gina is a veteran of the staffing industry, accruing more than 15 years of experience working in a wide variety of roles. She began her career with Veredus in Tampa and relocated in 2009 to open a new office location in Raleigh, NC. After accomplishing her goal of building a perennially profitable office in Raleigh, she returned to her hometown where she co-founded NextPath in 2018. Her passion is leading people and building great culture. Gina is an active member within the EDC serving on multiple committees. She sits on the board for the CEO Council and is involved with many non-profits including Redefining Refuge, Metropolitan Ministries, Think Big for Kids and Tampa Bay Technology Forum.

Gina is married with two kids and enjoys traveling and being outside in her spare time.

Gina Curry
Vice President & Co-Founder

AC4S Technologies

AC4S Technologies is a Hybrid Cloud Solutions provider.  We help business customers with their technology requirements –  from managing IT networks & a centralized HelpDesk, to Cloud Services, Data migrations, hardware & software solutions, Cybersecurity posture and Penetration Testing.  Including our latest product offering:  Smart Buildings.  But the real way we differentiate ourselves is with world class customer service and support.




Hugh S. Campbell

Hugh S. Campbell is a Founder and Owner of AC4S.   AC4S is an award winning Professional Services company which has generated over $350 Million dollars in revenues over the last 15 years. His latest venture is a Hybrid Cloud Solutions company – AC4S Technologies – which helps companies migrate to the Cloud. He is also the President of Palm Global Services, Ltd with its Head Office in the British Virgin Islands with an international cadre of over 160 employees overseas.

Hugh has started 5 companies and sold two.  The first company he started was with Venture Capitalists based in New York City during the Dotcom era.  He has also started three other companies – two of which have grown into multi-million dollar companies – with his own resources.

Prior to starting AC4S, he was a Co-Founder and Vice President of Engineering for Accelacom, Inc. – a high speed internet company funded by the Venture Capital firm Dolphin Equity Partners based in New York.  Prior to that post, he served Intermedia Communications as the Director of Engineering for that company’s nationwide data communications network, supporting thousands of customers and generating revenues of over $200 million annually.

Mr. Campbell is a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and he holds a M.S. in Telecommunications Management from Golden Gate University.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the CEO Council of Tampa Bay and St Joseph Hospital.  He is a member of the IT Senior Manager’s Forum (ITSMF) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.  He also serves on the Keiser University Advisory Board for Cybersecurity.

Hugh S. Campbell
President

Warren Averett

The Warren Averett Tampa office has been providing superior service for over 40 years to the Tampa community. Warren Averett provides clients with experience and technical resources of a national firm, yet local roots and traditions provide a superior level of personal attention and service. Warren Averett has 15 office locations and ranks among the top 35 firms in the U.S. Their services span beyond audit and tax to include wealth management, staffing and recruiting, technology and risk solutions, finance team support and a variety of advisory services such as transaction advisory, M&A, risk and compliance, estate planning and much more. With more than 800 employees, they offer experience in a variety of industries including manufacturing, government contracting, nonprofit and public sector, financial services, healthcare, construction, real estate, retail, life sciences and technology. To learn more about the firm visit www.warrenaverett.com.




Michelle Sanchez, CPA

Michelle Sanchez is a Member of the Firm and has been practicing in the public accounting profession in the Tampa Bay area since 1994. She is a leader of our Nonprofit Industry Service Team, as well as a member of our Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Service Team. Michelle is an active member of both the professional and philanthropic communities in Tampa. She is a Board Member of Network of Executive Women, was recognized as a Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Business Woman of the Year Finalist in 2012, member of Leadership St. Petersburg in 2012 and nominated for FICPA Women to Watch Awards, Experienced Leader Finalist in 2013. Michelle resides in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband of more than 20 years, and their two children.

Michelle Sanchez, CPA
CPA, Audit Member

LifeLink

LifeLink® Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to the recovery of life-saving organs and tissue for transplantation therapy.  The Foundation is made up of five divisions, including organ procurement organizations LifeLink of Florida, which serves west central Florida, LifeLink of Georgia which serves Georgia and two South Carolina counties, and LifeLink of Puerto Rico, which serves Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as the LifeLink Tissue Bank, which provides an array of services supporting tissue transplantation throughout the U.S. and world, and the LifeLink Transplantation Immunology Laboratory, a “matchmaker” between donor organs and suitable transplant recipients.  Additionally, LifeLink Legacy Fund® serves as a fundraising entity to support the mission and activities of LifeLink Foundation.




Mike Consilvio

Mike Consilvio is the Executive Director, General Manager at LifeLink Tissue Bank. In his role, Mike leads & oversees Sales, Marketing, R&D and Operations, and reports directly to the CEO & President of the LifeLink Foundation. Mike has over 25-years’ experience in the Medical Device/Tissue Bank Industry at several leading health-care companies.

Prior to joining LifeLink in July 2017, Mike has held senior management positions at EBI/Biomet Spine, MTF, and Small Bone Innovation, focused mainly on Sales/Marketing and Global Commercialization into emerging markets.

Mike holds an MBA in Corporate Finance from Fairleigh Dickenson University (Madison, NJ) and a BA in Economics (S.U.N.Y., Oneonta, NY).
 

Mike Consilvio
Executive Director, General Manager

Synovus

Synovus’ humble beginnings date back to a Georgia textile mill and a simple act of kindness. One day, a worker’s hard-earned savings spilled from the hem of her dress after it became entangled in factory machinery. Taking notice, an executive offered to secure her money in the company vault and pay her interest – a service soon extended to all workers at the mill. Their deposits marked the beginning of the company that would become Synovus.

Synovus is one of the strongest regional banks in the Southeast with over $30 billion in assets. Synovus provides commercial and retail banking in addition to a full suite of specialized products and services including asset-based lending, treasury management, private banking, mortgage services and international banking. These specialized offerings, combined with traditional banking products and services, make Synovus a great choice for all retail and commercial customers.

Synovus Bank was recognized as America’s Most Reputable Bank by American Banker and the Reputation Institute in 2017, and was named “Best Regional Bank, Southeast” by MONEY Magazine for 2016-17.




John Acosta

John Acosta joined Synovus as market president for the Tampa Bay (FL) area in 2022, bringing four decades of local banking experience to the role. John joined Synovus from Cadence Bank, where he was executive vice president and led the business and commercial banking line of business. At Synovus, John leads a team inspired by the success of business and residential clients in communities across Tampa Bay and committed to enhancing the reputation of Synovus as a trusted financial partner.

John currently serves on the boards of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. A native Floridian and alumnus of Florida State University, he previously served on the board of governors of the FSU College of Business. He and his wife call the Tampa Bay area home, as do their two grown sons.

John Acosta
Market President, Tampa Bay

Construction Services, Inc.

Construction Services Inc. of Tampa has been building in the Tampa Bay area for over 35 years. They are a minority general contractor providing solutions to your most challenging construction projects, small or large. They specialize in Tilt Construction, Design/Build, Site/Space Planning and Construction Management, as well as in the design, management and construction of advanced technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, laboratory, R&D, pharmaceutical, chemical, semiconductor and medical device manufacturing. Construction Services Inc. provides cleanroom construction, ISO Class 2 through ISO Class 8, for laboratory, manufacturing and assembly space for each industry served. They welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.
Construction Services Inc. strives to build lasting relationships with owners and with our trade contractors by conducting business in a sound and ethical manner. We provide superior performance, expedient solutions, and an excellent value.




Fred Lay

Fred Lay is the Owner of Construction Services Inc. of Tampa. He is a commercial general contractor and has been building in the Tampa Bay area for over 25 years. During this time, he has made an impact on our community in many ways through his community involvement, his impact on his employees, his response to diversity, his leadership, and his personal achievements. He is a former board member of the Joshua House and currently sits on the board of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as well as the board of A Kids Place. He created the CSI Cares program, which provides one paid day off each month for every employee to volunteer at the charity of their choice.

Fred Lay
Owner

Plant City Economic Development Corporation

The Plant City Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) is a public-private, non-profit organization with approximately 40 member companies. The PCEDC’s primary role is to help create jobs and capital investment by attracting new companies as well as facilitating the expansion of existing companies in the Plant City area.




Jake Austin

After six years as a Staff Sergeant for the United States Air Force, Jake Austin attended Western Kentucky University. With experience working for both the State of Kentucky and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Austin moved to Florida to continue his career in economic development. He joined the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation in 2012 as a Project Manager and, in 2014, was promoted to the Director of Business Retention and Expansion. In the last year, the department announced 12 expansion projects, representing over 3,200 jobs and $170M in capital investment.

Jake Austin
President and CEO

Workscapes

 

 

Workscapes is a woman-owned business with over 16 years of experience in Florida. They are a full-service office dealership offering furniture, architectural products, and space planning. As a Herman Miller certified network dealer, DIRTT partner and representing over 250 manufacturers of high quality office furniture, they provide a broad range of products and services to plan, furnish and equip interior environments for commercial customers as well as the higher education, healthcare and government markets.

 

Beyond the great brands that Workscapes represents is a team of well trained professionals serving clients from locations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando. They  share a deep commitment to learning and as such have developed a high level of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the environments served by sharing a commitment to innovation, uncompromising quality, participative management, and environmental stewardship.

 




Elizabeth Dvorak

Elizabeth Dvorak is the Owner and CEO of Workscapes, Inc. Elizabeth founded the company in Orlando in 1998 with her husband Richard. Over the past 25 years, Workscapes has grown from six employees to over 100 with four locations throughout Florida including Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Ft. Myers. Tampa is the company Headquarters and where the Dvorak’s now call home. Recently, Workscapes expanded and opened a new 32K square foot state-of-the-art corporate headquarters near historic Ybor. Elizabeth and the Workscapes team are proud to be one of the largest woman-owned businesses in Florida.

Elizabeth Dvorak’s dedication extends beyond the corporate realm. Her passion for community involvement is reflected in her role as a new Board member of Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa. She currently serves on Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation board in Orlando. She was named a previous Orlando Business Journal Business Owner of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year, as well as the 2023 honors from Tampa Bay Business Journal and TBBW.

Elizabeth Dvorak
CEO

!P: POTENTIAL UNLEASHED

!P: Potential Unleashed is a multi-jurisdictional live, work, play, study and stay innovation district anchored by globally-recognized institutions that drive economic activity in the area, engaging tens of thousands of students and educators, health care workers and patients, and five million tourists annually.




Mark Sharpe

Mark Sharpe is the executive director for !P, the organization created to bring redevelopment and renaissance to the area surrounding University of South Florida. A Tampa native, Sharpe was elected to the County Commission Countywide District 7 seat in 2004. He was re-elected in 2006 and again in 2010 to serve his final four-year term. Sharpe was elected chairman of the County Commission in November 2013. He was the Board’s vice chairman from 2007-2011.
Prior to his election, Sharpe served eight years as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He retired after two decades of service, which included 12 years in the U.S. Naval Reserves. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in multinational business from Florida State University, he earned a master’s degree in strategic studies from the University of South Florida. He is an avid runner and lives with his wife, Stephanie, their three children and two dogs.

Mark Sharpe
Executive Director

Tampa Downtown Partnership

Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization. It is a membership organization comprised of companies, organizations, and individuals with a common goal of advancing Downtown Tampa. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, Tampa Downtown Partnership works to promote Downtown through marketing, communication, advocacy, marketplace development, planning, transportation coordination, beautification, and placemaking.




Shaun Drinkard

Shaun Drinkard, LPM, serves as the Interim President with the Tampa Downtown Partnership. In Shaun’s previous role as Vice President of District Services, he lead district operations & public programming which includes the Downtown Ambassador and Clean Team program as well as all public space events/activations within the Special Services District (SSD).

Since 2010, Shaun has taken a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. He has been instrumental in bringing monthly and annual programs to Downtown Tampa ranging from Rock the Park, a free monthly music series, to Winter Village, an eight-week holiday experience featuring waterfront dining, ice skating, and holiday shops in Tampa’s Downtown.

Shaun Drinkard
Interim President

Westshore Alliance

Established in 1983, the Westshore Alliance is a business-based, membership-driven organization dedicated to promoting, shaping future growth and fostering economic prosperity of the Westshore Business District. Responding to the needs defined by their membership – 400 companies large and small – the Alliance has made progress in the areas of crime prevention, education, area marketing of the District, beautification, transportation and improving the working environment of Westshore – Florida’s largest commercial business district and one of most dynamic regional activity centers.




Ann Kulig

Ann Kulig joined the Westshore Alliance as Director of Marketing in 2002 and was promoted to Deputy Director in 2014. In her current role, she manages the operations of the Westshore Alliance, a membership based organization dedicated to improving Tampa’s Westshore district. She and the Alliance’s leadership work together on initiatives important to the business community including transportation, beautification, public safety, and marketing of the area. Prior to joining the Alliance, Kulig spent more than 15 years in a variety of marketing roles with technology, banking, and professional services firms in the Tampa Bay area. She earned a master’s of business administration degree from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Council, the Advisory Board of Visit Tampa Bay, and the Arts Advisory Council at MacDonald Training Center.

Ann Kulig
Executive Director

United Way Suncoast

 

 

United Way Suncoast works to break the cycle of generational poverty through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed and help adults achieve long-term financial stability so they can support themselves and their families. Working together with volunteers, agency partners, community leaders, and key stakeholders, United Way Suncoast focuses their work on three priority impact areas: Early Literacy, Youth Success, and Financial Stability. In addition, they support aligned Support Services (health, food, shelter, etc.) to help hard working individuals and families move past immediate crisis that may prevent them from participating in United Way programs that address their long-term needs. Everything United Way Suncoast does is connected to the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty by focusing on three areas that are the greatest contributors to the cycle of generational poverty.




Jessica Muroff

Jessica Muroff is the Chief Executive Officer for United Way Suncoast, one of Florida’s largest United Ways, ensuring connections are made that cultivate growth, increase community impact and optimize delivery of the organization’s strategic priorities that fight for the education and financial stability of every person in the community through educational programs that give children the skills to succeed, helping adults achieve long-term financial stability and activating caring individuals through volunteerism. Proudly serving the people of DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by operating and funding services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.

As an active member of the community, Jessica currently serves on the boards of directors for the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, the Athena Society and USF Women in Leadership and Philanthropy. In addition, she has served as a board member for Frameworks of Tampa Bay and is a founding member of Emerge Tampa Bay, a networking and volunteer organization for young professionals, a graduate of Leadership Tampa Class of 2015 and graduate of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class XXXVI.

Jessica Muroff
CEO

City of Temple Terrace

The City of Temple Terrace, Florida, was founded in 1925 and was originally was promoted as “Tampa’s most beautiful suburb. Named for the Temple orange grown locally in one of the world’s largest orange groves, Temple Terrace also is home to one of the nation’s first master-planned golf course communities. The city-owned, privately leased golf course is on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places.

Today, with a population of more than 26,000, Temple Terrace is one of three cities within Hillsborough County. With some of the most scenic vistas of the Hillsborough River, more than a dozen parks and fun, creative community events, Temple Terrace retains an abundance of small town charm that is now combined with access to the big city amenities.

Temple Terrace is governed by a Mayor and City Council and boasts independent Police and Fire Departments. The staff  who work at City Hall and other municipal facilities are dedicated to excellence and committed to an innovative approach to high-quality, customer-centered services. Efforts currently are underway to revitalize the City’s downtown area to add more retail and residence options and big changes are expected in the next two to three years.

Located just north of Tampa between three major interstate highways (I-4, I-75 and I-275), the City is ideally situated close to the Tampa/St. Petersburg metro areas, but also within a short driving distance to Orlando and the Sarasota beach areas. Adjacent to Temple Terrace is the University of South Florida, the second-largest university in the Southeast. Temple Terrace residents also have convenient access to the region’s finest medical facilities, cultural activities and sporting events.

Temple Terrace:  Close to everything, but nowhere else comes close.




Andrew "Andy" Ross

Andrew “Andy” Ross was elected to the Temple Terrace City Council on Nov. 8, 2016. Mr. Ross retired as a captain from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and then served as deputy chief of police at Tampa International Airport. He currently is president of Innovative Training and Consulting, LLC, a local security consulting firm. He also is an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University.

Prior to his election to the City Council, Mr. Ross served as chair on both the Temple Terrace Municipal Code Enforcement Board and River Watch Task Force. He currently represents the City on the Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board and is council liaison to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board and River Watch Task Force. Mr. Ross has a master’s degree from Saint Leo University and is a graduate of the prestigious Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville. He is a member of numerous professional community associations. Mr. Ross and his wife have three children.

Andrew "Andy" Ross
Mayor

Smith & Associates

Smith & Associates Real Estate provides a suite of services that has helped individuals and families acquire homes that both complement and accommodate their unique sense of luxury. Their Property Management Department relieves homeowners of the pressures that come with being a landlord. Relocation connects buyers who are unfamiliar with Tampa Bay with the expertise that 45 years in real estate brings. Smith & Associates’ New Homes & Developer Services Divisions provide unique insights into the benefits of new construction. They provide clients a quality experience from beginning to end by including title and closing services in their suite of services. Smith & Associates isn’t all business. As a market leader, they know the importance of giving back and investing in the community. They are proud to support the community through involvement in a variety of charities and sponsorships of the arts in Tampa Bay.




Robert Glaser

Recognized as a true visionary spirit, Robert Glaser’s impact on Tampa Bay’s real estate market for the past 28 years is largely due to his driving ambition to run the most customer-centric real estate companies in the area. His desire to build a company that was multi-faceted, modern and innovative has turned Smith & Associates Real Estate into Tampa Bay’s preferred total solution company providing 6-star service to its clients. Glaser is a very “hands on” broker/owner. With 28 years of real estate experience, he has watched Tampa Bay evolve into one of the real estate industry’s most prolific markets. In addition to serving several industry-related organizations, he is Chair of the Morean Arts Center/Chihuly Collection, Palladium Advisor and serves on the Tampa Theatre Foundation and Blue Ocean Advisory Board. He also served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Director of the Greater Tampa Associates of Realtors®, is a Graduate of Leadership Tampa and a member of the Certified Brokers Managers Council.

Robert Glaser
President and CEO

Cousins Properties

Founded in 1958, Cousins Properties Incorporated has developed over 32 million square feet of office, retail, and medical space. Cousins’ commitment to excellence is reflected through its dedicated professionals recognized on numerous occasions for their outstanding customer service. On two occasions, Cousins Properties Incorporated was honored with the International Office Building of the Year Award by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), the commercial real estate industry’s most coveted and prestigious award, and numerous other awards of distinguished service. Detailed information about Cousins Properties Incorporated is available on its web site www.cousinsproperties.com and the NYSE symbol, CUZ.




Kyle Burd

Kyle Burd, who joined Cousins in 2016 to lead the Tampa regional team, has more than 30 years of real estate experience. His responsibilities include the oversight of all day-to-day operations for the region including asset management, leasing, investments, and business development. Prior to joining Cousins, he was Vice President and Managing Director at Parkway Properties, joining the company following its acquisition of EOLA Capital. Before his time with Parkway and EOLA, Kyle spent 20 years at CBRE leading an investment sales team.
Kyle Burd, who joined Cousins in 2016 to lead the Tampa regional team, has more than 30 years of real estate experience. His responsibilities include the oversight of all day-to-day operations for the region including asset management, leasing, investments, and business development. Prior to joining Cousins, he was Vice President and Managing Director at Parkway Properties, joining the company following its acquisition of EOLA Capital. Before his time with Parkway and EOLA, Kyle spent 20 years at CBRE leading an investment sales team.

Kyle Burd
Senior Vice President and Managing Director

Colliers International

Colliers is a $4.5B global commercial real estate firm specializing in leasing, sales, property management, valuation, project management, investment services, and more. Colliers was founded in 1976 and has approximately 18,000 employees in more than 400 offices in 65 countries. In Florida, Colliers has 11 locations with 2 situated locally, one in Tampa and one in Pinellas, for full coverage of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and the surrounding counties.




Joanne LeBlanc

Joanne LeBlanc, Vice President, specializes in representing Tenants/Occupiers to find and secure office space in Tampa Bay. Joanne has more than 17 years’ experience and throughout her tenure she has accomplished being a top 10 producer, recognized twice for the largest office lease, and closed over $300M in transaction volume for local and multi-market clients. Her services also stretch throughout Florida, nationwide, & globally with the assistance of the Colliers worldwide network.

Joanne LeBlanc
Vice President, Leasing/Sales of ​​​​​​​Office Properties

Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Citi’s core activities are safeguarding assets, lending money, making payments and accessing the capital markets on behalf of our clients.

The Tampa site, established in 1983, supports more than 20 different lines of business including:  Anti Money Laundering Operations, Shared Services, Global Banking Functions, an Institutional Client Group and Technology operations, including Citi Private Bank. Citi maintains proactive relationships with 20 community partners and has given nearly $250,000 throughout the Tampa Bay community.




Florence Yagoda

Florence Yagoda is Director, Business Risk and Supervision at Citi Private Bank.  Florence is responsible for the business risk team in Tampa that performs regular oversight of investment activities across bank and brokerage platforms according to Citi policies and regulatory requirements.  Florence also leads the team that reviews all investment related correspondence, advertising and communications to ensure adherence to FINRA guidelines. Prior to joining Citi in March 2010, Florence was Director, Investments Marketing at Bank of America in New York, New York with a focus on hedge funds and private equity.  Earlier in her career she worked in a variety of investment marketing roles for Futures and Commodities managers at Kenmar Group, John W. Henry Inc., and Global Asset Management in the New York metropolitan area.  Florence is a board member of the Chelly Foundation, a non-profit that helps to bring about positive changes in​ Cambodian children’s lives through literacy, education and other programs. A FINRA license holder of the 7, 24, 63, 65 and 31 registrations, Florence is also a graduate of American University (BA, Economics) and George Washington University(MBA, Marketing).  Florence lives in Apollo Beach, Florida.

Florence Yagoda
Director, Regional Supervisory Principal

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Professional football first came to Tampa, Florida in 1976, two years after the Bay area was awarded the National Football League’s 27th franchise.

Beginning with a noble struggle in ’76 – at a time when expansion teams were given few of the advantages they are given now – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers began a remarkable journey that is now well into its fifth decade.

Through 44 seasons, the Buccaneers franchise has been through it all with huge home crowds, long road trips, last-second victories, coaching and uniform changes, a stadium change, and even an ownership change that ushered in a new era of success. That era led to the Bucs breaking through to reach the top of the NFL.

In January of 2003, at the end of the franchise’s 27th season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came home with the Lombardi Trophy after a 48-21 victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII. With that win being the most glorious moment in franchise history up to this point, it serves as an example of what the team envisions for their future as they pursue new and greater triumphs.




Atul Khosla

With more than 16 years of experience, Atul Khosla joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneer organization as the Chief Corporate Development and Brand Officer in June of 2017, with responsibility for corporate partnership, marketing and event production, game day entertainment, community relations, along with digital and media rights. Under Atul’s leadership, his team has won the American Marketing Association’s 2018 Tampa Bay Marketer of the Year as well as the 2019 SHAPE Florida Community Service award and were nominated for their first Webby in the category of Social: Athletes & Sports Teams.

Among his significant previous positions, Atul served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, where he oversaw the day to day operations of the Team and the growth of MLS in Chicago. He joined the Fire in 2011 after spending over a decade at General Electric, holding key leadership positions with the multinational conglomerate’s Healthcare division as well as NBC Sports.

With his recent relocation to Tampa Bay, Khosla is representing the Buccaneer organization by serving on the board of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, The Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and The Afterschool All-Stars program. While residing in Chicago, Khosla was actively involved with several notable organizations, serving on the Advisory Council and Board of Directors for the Chicago Sports Commission, member of the Chicago Economic & Executive Club, and YPO Chicagoland. He was also named to the 2013 Crain’s Chicago Business Leaders 40 Under 40 list.

Khosla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He currently resides in Tampa with his wife, Charisse, and their three daughters.

Atul Khosla
Chief Corporate Development & Brand Officer

R. R. Simmons Construction

Established in 1968 and headquartered in Tampa, R.R. Simmons Construction is the most established Design/Builder on the West Coast of Florida. With in-house professionals in both architecture and construction management, R.R. Simmons provides turnkey solutions for commercial, industrial, technology, structured parking and sport venues. From site selection and due diligence to LEED strategy and implementation to fast-track, phased delivery, their integrated team provides seamless design and construction solutions to meet the business and institutional needs of both large and small clients. With a diverse clientele including both international companies, such as Coca-Cola and Volkswagen, and local market leaders, such as Grow Financial and The University of Tampa, R.R. Simmons is well prepared to deliver a cost-effective solution within an established budget. Having garnered more than 50 industry awards, R.R. Simmons is proud of the service, quality, responsiveness and innovation that hallmark their work.




Randy Simmons

Randy Simmons is Chairman of R.R. Simmons Construction, a Tampa-based multi-discipline design and construction group. With more than 40 years of industry experience, Simmons provides strategic planning and market development for the firm and assists each project team with visioning, design and delivery. He is a graduate of the University of Florida’s Rinker School of Building Construction. In addition to serving on the Board of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, he also is on the Board of Directors for The Tampa Bay Partnership and CoreNet – Tampa Bay. Long-term members of the University of South Florida Iron Bulls Club, Simmons and his wife Linda founded BullsBlast, an annual clay shooting tournament, in 2006 to support USF athletic scholarships. He has also served in a variety of roles with the NAIOP, United Way, Leadership Tampa and other community organizations.

Randy Simmons
Chairman

JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase is one of Tampa Bay’s largest private employers with 5,700 employees working in the region. The firm serves consumers and small businesses through more than 60 local Chase branches and 200 ATMs. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.7 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.




Christopher Brandriff

Christopher Brandriff is a Managing Director and Market Manager for J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s Greater Florida market. He is responsible in overseeing the Firm’s Private Banking business in our Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Orlando offices. Chris leads a group of bankers and specialists to help affluent families bank, borrow, invest and plan. They work in concert to design integrated strategies that are tailored to the specialized needs of each individual.

Chris fosters an environment of excellence to advise families, business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals in a customized and high-touch manner. He uses a solution-based process to deliver the strengths of J.P. Morgan, including the intellectual capital and investment platforms available through the global capabilities of the firm.

A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Chris earned a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. While there, he was an NCAA Division I Track & Field athlete and an ESPN First Team Academic All-American. Chris’s involvement in an investment committee at VMI drove his interest in the markets and led him to further his education. He holds an M.B.A. from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia.

With more than ten years of experience, Chris began as an Investment Banker in the Power & Energy Group at Citigroup, advising clients on strategic alternatives and efficient capital allocation. Pivoting toward personalized wealth management, he joined the Private Bank at its headquarters in New York City as a Client Advisor for successful individuals. In 2017, Chris relocated to Tampa Bay to help build out the private wealth management business on the West Coast of Florida. He is a former member of the Advisory Council, a cross-disciplinary team that provides long-term strategies for major initiatives undertaken by the firm.

Chris, his wife Meagan, son Lawson and daughter Parker are grateful to now live in a climate that allows them to participate in outdoor activities year-round. In his free time, Chris enjoys sports, fishing, and cooking for his family.

Christopher Brandriff
Managing Director & Market Manager

Holland & Knight

Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers, providing representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm. With more than 400 lawyers in its litigation section, the firm is engaged in a broad range of civil and white collar litigation in U.S. federal and state courts. Holland & Knight’s Business Section has more than 300 lawyers and advises local, national and international clients on a broad range of matters and business transactions. With more than 240 lawyers and professionals, their Real Estate Section is one of the largest of any U.S. law firm. Their Government Section has more than 100 attorneys and professionals engaged in federal, state, local and tribal government affairs, regulatory counseling and related disciplines.




Gov. Bob Martinez

Former Governor of Florida Bob Martinez is a senior policy advisor with Holland & Knight’s Public Policy & Regulation Practice Group and is co-chair of the firm’s Florida Government Advocacy Team. Martinez is one of Florida’s most respected leaders, and his distinguished career in public service spans more than 40 years. Career highlights include serving in the following positions: Cabinet-level office as the nation’s second Drug Czar under President George H.W. Bush from 1991-1993, Governor of Florida from 1987-1991, Mayor of the City of Tampa from 1979-1986 and Vice Chairman of the Southwest Water Management District from 1975-1979. Martinez is known for his creation of effective environmental protection programs such as Preservation 2000, the largest conservation land-purchasing initiative in the nation of its time. He is also recognized for his focus on drug control and his commitment to public education.

Gov. Bob Martinez
Senior Policy Advisor

Highwoods Properties

Highwoods Properties, a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and for third parties. As of December 31, 2013, the company owned or had an interest in 32.2 million square feet of in-service office, industrial and retail properties, 0.9 million rentable square feet of office properties under development and approximately 600 acres of development land. Highwoods is based in Raleigh, N.C., and its properties and development land are located in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Highwoods Properties is structured as an UPREIT, or umbrella partnership real estate investment trust. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HIW.




Dan Woodward

A 25-year commercial real estate veteran, Dan Woodward is directly responsible for day-to-day operations in Highwoods Properties’ Tampa Division, overseeing all acquisition, leasing, management and development activities. With Highwoods since July 2006, he was formerly with Trammell Crow Company as Senior Vice President, responsible for the oversight of development activities in Central Florida. He has also held similar positions with The Pizzuti Companies in Orlando and The Vantage Companies in Tampa. Woodward holds a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration from the University of Florida and a master’s in real estate development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, he is active in a variety of professional and civic organizations. In addition to his role as President of the Westshore Alliance, he serves in various roles with the Real Estate Investment Council (REIC), CoreNet and the Advisory Board for the Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Florida.

Dan Woodward
Vice President, Tampa

Bank of Tampa

The Bank of Tampa is one of the largest community banks in the Tampa Bay area. It has been privately held by its employees, directors and clients since the bank’s inception in 1984. It has offices in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, as well as a loan production office in Pasco County. The Bank of Tampa’s assets total more than $3.3 billion, with outstanding loans greater than $1.4 billion. Its wealth management practice has more than $1 billion total assets under care. To learn more, visit www.thebankoftampa.com, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.




Scott C. Gault

Scott Gault serves as Hillsborough and Pasco County Market President at The Bank of Tampa. In this role, he leads the strategic direction for The Bank of Tampa’s Hillsborough and Pasco offices. Additionally, he holds enterprise responsibilities for the bank’s Middle Market and SBA areas. Scott brings nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Scott is passionate about giving back to the community, serving on the board of directors for WEDU PBS, St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation, as well as the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he serves on the Executive Advisory Council for the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business.

Gault holds an MBA in international finance from Florida Metropolitan University, as well as an undergraduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. In 2019, he completed the Columbia University Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Additionally, he has completed the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business’s Bank Financial Leadership program. Scott is also a GE Capital trained Six Sigma Green Belt.

Scott C. Gault
Executive Vice President, Hillsborough and Pasco County Market Director

Carlton Fields

Carlton Fields serves business clients in key industries across the country and around the globe. Through their core practices, they help their clients grow their businesses and protect their vital interests. Their national and international litigation teams handle the most complex business trials, arbitrations and appeals. They have deep experience in the defense of class actions and mass actions, white collar representation, high-stakes business litigation and government investigations. The cases they handle cut across every subject area, including consumer and business fraud, FCPA enforcement, contracts, shareholder disputes, antitrust, insurance, securities, products liability, construction, real estate, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy, labor and employment, intellectual property, health care, telecommunications and federal and state governmental disputes. Carlton Fields also advises clients on sophisticated business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, securities compliance and disclosures, tax planning, ERISA, capital formation, debt financing, corporate governance and transactions and cyber security concerns.




Gary Sasso

Gary Sasso represents business clients in securities fraud and consumer fraud class actions and other complex litigation at the trial and appellate level, in the financial services industry, energy sector, products manufacturing industry, and services sector. Gary has tried cases in the areas of securities fraud, business contracts, product liability, professional malpractice, employment discrimination and termination, eminent domain, bankruptcy, construction, administrative law, and land use in Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Gary has argued appeals on diverse issues including business fraud, federal and state constitutional claims, product liability, personal injury, insurance coverage, national bank regulation, employment discrimination, federal occupational safety and health regulation, eminent domain, county taxation, and public utilities law.

Before joining the firm in 1987, Gary worked as a law clerk for Justice Byron R. White of the U.S. Supreme Court, and as a law clerk for Judge Spottswood W. Robinson III of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Gary Sasso
President and CEO

Saint Leo University

Founded in 1889 as Florida’s first Catholic institution, Saint Leo University has a rich history of providing students with a transformative, values-centered education. With over 40 majors and minors to choose from, our core mission is to inspire students to become their best selves and lead the way for those that follow. St. Leo University offers more than 60 major and minor programs to more than 18,000 students. St. Leo has been ranked one of the Top Universities in the South for multiple years by U.S. News and World Report, as well as a Best College for Veterans. Its Tampa Education Center serves as a support center for online students throughout the world.




Dr. Edward W. Dadez

Dr. Edward W. Dadez joined Saint Leo University in 2000. He was Vice President of Student Affairs; and Continuing Education and Campus Operations for 18 years. He also taught as a Visiting Faculty member in Graduate Education and Undergraduate Business before being named the 11th president of Saint Leo University in July 2022.

He holds undergraduate degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University in psychology and biology, a master’s in student personnel administration from Ohio State University, an M.B.A. from Saint Leo University, and a doctorate in College and University Administration from Michigan State University. Dr. Dadez has been in college administration for more than 40 years, and has worked at Ohio State University, University of Dayton, Michigan State University, Bucknell University and Chowan University.

Dr. Edward W. Dadez
President

Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield is the world’s largest privately‐held commercial real estate services firm. The company advises and represents clients on all aspects of property occupancy and investment and has established a preeminent position in the world’s major markets, as evidenced by its frequent involvement in many of the most significant property leases, sales and management assignments. Founded in 1917, it has approximately 250 offices in 60 countries, employing more than 16,000 professionals. It offers a complete range of services for all property types, including leasing, sales and acquisitions, equity, debt and structured finance, corporate finance and investment banking, corporate services, property management, facilities management, project management, consulting and appraisal. The firm has nearly $4 billion in assets under management globally. Cushman & Wakefield is a recognized leader in local and global real estate research that publishes its market information and studies online.




Larry D. Richey

Managing Principal Larry D. Richey is responsible for the Cushman & Wakefield’s offices in Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville, which consistently rank at or near the top of the competitive commercial real estate services industry in their respective markets. Before joining Cushman & Wakefield 32 years ago, Richey was a Certified Public Accountant with the accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand in Atlanta. Richey was the 2008 Chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, is a past Chair of the Board of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, and currently serves on the Board of Neighborhood Lending Partners, Inc. He is active on the Board of The Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk and is the most recent past President of the Board of the Florida Gulf Coast Association of Realtors. Richey received his undergraduate degree in accounting from Florida State University and his law degree from Georgia State University.

Larry D. Richey
Managing Principal, Florida