By Jamie Whitehurst, Class Member of LT '24 and Director of Development of Dawning Family Services.
The Leadership Tampa Class of 2024 enjoyed a day of learning and great conversations during our Government & Economic Development Day. The chilly February morning started at the Old City Hall with coffee and refreshments. The class was greeted by Dr. Paige Neihaus (LT’23), Dale Mabry Campus President, Hillsborough Community College. Following Dr. Neihaus, was a lively and informative conversation with The Honorable Thomas Palermo, Circuit Judge, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, as we walked to the County Center on Kennedy Boulevard. Upon arrival at the County Center, LT’24 Class Members divided into three groups to meet with local officials Ken Hagan (Chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners), City of Tampa Chief of Staff John Bennett, and David Byrne (CFO of the Tampa Sports Authority). The class enjoyed tabletop exercises and discussions with the three distinguished leaders and gained a deeper understanding of how Tampa manages large events. Most impressive is how highly Tampa and Hillsborough County are regarded among other municipalities and event producers because of their ability to work cohesively managing multiple large events.
After the tabletop exercises we took a brief walk to the Hillsborough County Courthouse where we met the star of the day, “Barley.” Barley is a courthouse dog with the local nonprofit Voices for Children. Their Courthouse Dog program is the first in Florida and provides emotional support for traumatized children during stressful and difficult situations so they can find their voice and share their stories.
Along with Barley, LT’24 class members enjoyed roundtable conversations with:
- The Honorable Christopher Sabella, Hillsborough County Chief Judge
- Cindy Stuart, Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, and Comptroller
- Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County Tax Collector
- Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections
Our next stop was The University Club for lunch and a TECHTALK panel discussion about Technology and Innovation as an Economic Development Driver in Hillsborough County, moderated by Alexis Muellner, the Editor-In-Chief of the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The distinguished panelists included:
- Lakshmi Shenoy, CEO of Embarc Collective Tampa Bay
- Chris Paynter, Dean and Program Director, InLab@HCC
- Linda Olson (LT’18), CEO of Tampa Bay Wave
- Rachel Feinman (LT’18), VP, TGH Innoventures
After lunch, the class traveled to the new City Center on Hanna Avenue, where we were given a tour by Marcel Maslowski, AIA, Architect and President, Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architecture. The impressive City Center is a prime example of how the City of Tampa is transforming its future in a smart, resilient, and responsible way. The new Center will serve as a gathering space for neighborhood residents while housing City departments. The project promises to increase efficiency across City operations, bring the government closer to the people, and represent a brighter future for ALL of Tampa.
The day concluded with a thought-provoking discussion about planning Tampa’s tomorrow. LT’24 class members participated in small group discussions and planning simulations. The exercise was moderated by Michelle Bauer, CEcD, Tampa Bay Economic Developmental Council. Panelists during the discussion included:
- Steven Benson, AICP, City of Tampa Planning Director
- Brad Cooke, SVP, Development, Strategic Property Partners
- John Patrick, AICP, Division Director, Hillsborough County Community, and Infrastructure Planning Department
- Melissa Zornitta, FAICP, Executive Director, Plan Hillsborough
- Marcel Maslowski, AIA, President, Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architecture
The LT’24 Class was treated to a wonderful day with government officials. Classmates gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of what makes our city and county work and left with a feeling of pride for our elected officials and representatives, and the beautiful city we call home.
Jamie Whitehurst is the Director of Development of Dawning Family Services. The longtime member of the Tampa Bay Chamber's Ambassador Program is currently in the LT Class of 2024.