Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation Transitions Leadership


October 12, 2015



 
 
Today, Tampa Hillsborough EDC president and CEO Rick Homans announced that he will leave his current role to lead the Tampa Bay Partnership.
 
 
Recognized as one of the strongest economic development organizations in the state of Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough EDC has announced more than 19,000 jobs and generated $1.12 billion in new capital investments over the past six years.
 
 
“This is an opportunity for Rick as well as for the Tampa Hillsborough EDC to take economic development to the next level,” said Dr. Ronald Vaughn, 2014-15 Tampa Hillsborough EDC chair and President of the University of Tampa. “We’re thankful for Rick’s positive impact on our organization, and we wish him well at the Partnership.”
 
 
The Tampa Hillsborough EDC has established plans will take the organization to yet another level of success. The organization’s veteran staff and the full leadership team are energized about continuing to transform economic development in Hillsborough County and the municipalities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City.
 
 
“I’m incredibly proud of everything this team has accomplished over these past few years,” said Homans, who has led the Tampa Hillsborough EDC since January 2012. “I believe that the foundation we’ve built positions this organization for future success and growth.”
 
 
Homans’ last day at the Tampa Hillsborough EDC will be October 23rd.
 
 
J.P. DuBuque, who has served as the vice president of finance and administration for nearly three years, was appointed as interim CEO while a national search for a replacement will soon commence.
 
 
“J.P. has worked tirelessly to help lead the transformation of the EDC,” said Vaughn. “His institutional knowledge, financial acumen, and relationship building with investors, elected officials and partners will ensure a seamless transition as we focus on the continued pursuit of our strategic goals.”
 
 
As the lead designated economic development organization in Hillsborough County, and the leading driver of economic development for the region, the Tampa Hillsborough EDC has powerful momentum. Several major, high-profile recent wins include Johnson & Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, HealthPlan Services, USAA and Amazon.
 
 
“The EDC runs like a well-oiled machine and will continue to thrive,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “We’ve got unstoppable momentum and are well on our way toward transforming the economic future of this great city thanks to the solid foundation that Rick and others have built.”
 
 
“Thanks to the hard work of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, we are financially stronger than ever and poised to remain the leader of economic development in the state of Florida,” said Sandy Murman, chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. “Rick helped to reinvigorate the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, and we now have exciting projects in virtually every corner of the county.”
 
 
Port Tampa Bay and Channelside are booming. The Tampa Innovation Alliance district is reshaping the business community in and around the University of South Florida and Moffitt. In South County, businesses like Tampa Tank are creating a steel industry cluster, and the areas west and north of downtown Tampa are developing. Eastern Hillsborough County and Plant City are attracting major manufacturing and distribution companies.
 
 
“The Tampa Hillsborough EDC is strengthening its position as the pacesetter for economic development in Florida,” said Colleen Chappell, 2015-16 Tampa Hillsborough EDC chair and president and CEO of ChappellRoberts.
 
 
Today, the Tampa Hillsborough EDC boasts 120 private investors, with 51 new or upgraded investors within the past 12 months. Twelve investors recently stepped up their support to lead our Circle of Champions by committing $50,000 or more for the next three years to ensure our EDC’s solid plans for community economic development.
 
 
“The incredible support of our loyal public and private partners and one of the most professional staffs in the business ensures both our short- and long-term growth and success,” said Chappell.
 
 
 

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