!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
Executive Director
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.