CRAIG J. RICHARd
CHAIRMAN
Craig J. Richard, CEcD, is President and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the designated lead economic development organization for companies seeking to expand or locate in Hillsborough County. He is a collaborative leader with strengths in marketing, business development, entrepreneurial development, workforce development, global commerce, strategic planning, and managing talented teams to achieve desired results.
the HONORABLE LESLEY "LES" MILLER, JR.
VICE CHAIRMAN
Giving back to his community, state, and country for more than 50 years, Les is committed to public service. He served as a member of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners representing the 3rd District from November 2010 to November 2020, and served as the Chairman for three terms, striving to foster a better place for all citizens to live, work, and play.
JAIDE LEE BEVERLY, ESQ.
SECRETARY
Jaide Lee Beverly is an associate attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP, based in the firm's Tampa office, where she is a member of the Health Care Practice Group and national Telemedicine & Digital Health Industry Team. She focuses her practice on telemedicine, digital health, and transactional and related regulatory issues for health care institutions and entrepreneurs.
BEMETRA SIMMONS
TREASURER
Ms. Simmons is the president and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Partnership, a coalition of regional business leaders working together to improve the personal and economic well-being of Tampa Bay residents. She previously served as the chief strategy and operations officer for United Way Suncoast, and she has held leadership and executive leadership roles at Mutual of Omaha Bank, Wells Fargo, and BB&T.
RONALD A. CHRISTALDI, ESQ.
Ron Christaldi is a prominent business lawyer in Florida, and as President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, he is a key problem solver to accomplish his clients’ needs. Known for connecting and building relationships within the community, Ron is a hard-working and intensely prepared lawyer with a broad practice, comprised of both transactions and complex litigation.
SANTIAGO C. CORRADA
Santiago C. Corrada is an accomplished, recognized leader with over twenty-five years of public service experience. He began his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Tampa Bay in May of 2013 where he is responsible for providing oversight of all agency activities.
NICHELLE "NIKKI" FOSTER
With over 15 years of experience in public affairs and community relations, Ms. Nikki Foster is a passionate and effective leader who strives to make a positive impact on the society and the environment. Currently, she is the Community Investment Manager - Diversity & Inclusion at The Mosaic Company, a global Fortune 500 company that produces and markets crop nutrients.
JOE GENTRY
Joe Gentry is the Vice President of Marketing. He leads a team responsible for localization of marketing programs to improve retail execution. Before this role, Mr. Gentry served as Coke Florida’s Vice President and General Manager of Coke Florida’s South Florida Region. Mr. Gentry formerly served as Coca-Cola Refreshments’ Vice President Franchise Leadership Central Region and Midwest Region.
THE HONORABLE EDWIN "ED" NARAIN, ESQ.
Highly accomplished professional with extensive leadership experience (21 years) in technology, telecommunications, and government relations. He also has a proven record of achieving superior results in business, government, and community leadership roles. Motivating and mentoring others to achieve market leading results in competitive and rapidly evolving industries is a key strength.
Commissioner Gwen Myers
Commissioner Gwen Myers is a native and lifelong resident of Hillsborough County. She was elected to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in November 2020. She has long been an advocate for improving transportation, affordable housing, and health care in the county. She plans to lead the County with the new construction of an African American Arts and Cultural Center.