Tampa, FL – A short 6 years after making Tampa Bay Chamber history, Michael ("Mike") E. Griffin is in the community spotlight again, receiving the 2022 Parke Wright III Award from Leadership Tampa Alumni (LTA). On January 24th, Griffin was recognized by his peers for demonstrating exceptional leadership and making a significant difference in the Tampa Bay community over the years.
The Class of 2004 Leadership Tampa Alumnus currently serves as the Market Leader and Senior Vice President of Savills, a worldwide provider of integrated real estate services. “I’m so thankful, grateful and humbled,” said Griffin in a video message he sent in from Morocco. The award ceremony in West Tampa coincided with his first day of meetings overseas. “I desperately wish I was there today to not only celebrate this award with all of you, but also what this represents and all the exciting things happening in our community,” said Griffin.
Accepting the award on his behalf was the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Melanie Griffin, who also happens to be the honoree’s wife. “To my wife Melanie, you are my best friend, the love of my life, and I accept this on behalf of both of us,” said Griffin on-screen.
Pictured: (L-R) Jeff Chernoff, LTA 2023 Chair; Melanie Griffin, Florida Secretary of the Department of Business & Professional Regulation; and Parke Wright IV, son of award's namesake.
Described by his peers as someone who works with thoughtful dialogue and little fanfare, Griffin is now part of a select group of LT alumni to win this leadership award in 21 years. “Put simply, Mike personifies the concept of servant leadership,” says Steven M. Bernstein, the Chamber’s Chair in 2018. “I’ve had a front row seat to some of Mike’s greatest demonstrations of those character traits. He shaped our most important policy decisions as an officer and ultimately as chair of our great organization.”
Griffin is well-known for his civic endeavors and passionate leadership dating back to 2017 when he became the youngest Chairman of the Tampa Bay Chamber in its 130+ year history. He began his involvement with the Chamber when he served as a charter Co-Chair of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay and was the inaugural recipient of the Chamber’s Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award. He also chaired the Chamber’s Government Efficiency Caucus, charged with identifying cost-saving opportunities within local government.
Even as a college student, Griffin shined as a leader. He served two terms as Student Body President at the University of South Florida and was the very first student member on the university’s Board of Trustees. The USF graduate returned to the USF Board of Trustees in 2019 after his appointment by the Florida Board of Governors and served as the founding Chairman of USF's Financing Corporation, to oversee the bond financing for USF system projects. Under his leadership, financing transactions were valued at more than $1.2 billion, resulting in more than 1.8 million square feet of projects.
He credits mentors for the spark leading to years of community service. “I know that mentors and mentees are why I’m here today,” said Griffin, ending his remarks with this call to action for LT Alumni. “All of us in this room have been impacted by mentors. Dig a little deeper and make more time for it. Find mentees, seek them out. Agree to be a mentor. Perhaps, go out and find a mentor or two for yourself.”
A devoted Eagle Scout, Griffin serves on the Executive Board of the Gulf Ridge Council for the Boy Scouts of America and the Junior Achievement Board of Directors. He is a graduate of Leadership Florida (Cornerstone XXVI) and in 2017, was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the Governing Board of Tampa Port Authority/Port Tampa Bay. His commendations over the years are many, receiving honors from Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, Howard University and the recipient of the Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University. Griffin was named “one of Florida’s 50 World Changers” by Florida Trend in its 50th Anniversary Issue, one of the top 25 most influential business leaders in Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Times, in the Power 100 leaders by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, and one of the top 100 most influential people in Florida by Influence Magazine.