Southwest Board of Directors – Overview

The Alliance is led by a Board of Directors, featuring distinguished local business and community leaders. This leadership framework is crucial for the organization’s strategic direction and operational efficiency.

Officers & Executive Committee

At the helm of the committee structure is Russell P. Schropp, who combines his roles as Chair and Vice President with his professional expertise as an Attorney at Law at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. Gary Griffin, serving as the Chair-Elect, is the President of B & I, demonstrating the blend of leadership and industry expertise that characterizes this committee. Alan D. Reynolds, the Past Chair, brings his experience as a Regional Business Leader at Stantec to the table, followed by Richard Grant, who acts as the Secretary in addition to his role as a Founding Partner at Grant, Fridkin, Pearson, P.A. Michael Wynn, the Treasurer, is recognized for his leadership as President of Sunshine Ace Hardware. Vice President roles are filled by Laura Holquist, President of LAH Group Advisors, LLC, and Susan Pareigis, the President & CEO of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance, underlining the diverse leadership steering the Alliance.

Board Members

The board includes individuals such as Roger Desjarlais and Dr. Robert Jones, who bring their unique expertise from the public and academic sectors, respectively, contributing to the diverse perspectives within the Board. This diversity is further enriched by members from various professional backgrounds, including higher education, county management, and the creative industry, to name a few.

Sub-committees

Integral to the organization’s structure are two key sub-committees: the Marketing Advisory Committee and the Investor Advisory Committee. The former comprises local EDO directors, playing a pivotal role in advising on marketing strategies, while the latter includes cornerstone investors who are actively involved in shaping the investment direction of the Alliance.

This structured approach not only ensures a wide range of expertise and leadership within the Alliance but also highlights the organization’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development in Southwest Florida through collaborative and strategic initiatives.

Conclusion

The governance structure of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance illustrates a comprehensive approach to regional development, uniting a diverse group of leaders from various sectors to drive economic growth. Through its Officers & Executive Committee and Board Members, the Alliance benefits from a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring well-rounded and effective decision-making. The inclusion of specialized sub-committees, such as the Marketing Advisory Committee and the Investor Advisory Committee, allows for focused engagement on specific areas of interest, enhancing the Alliance’s ability to respond to the needs of the community and investors alike. This collaborative framework exemplifies the strength of unity in pursuing common goals, showcasing the Alliance’s pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of Southwest Florida.

Board and Committee Members Table

This table encapsulates the leadership and diversity within the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance, emphasizing the collective expertise and dedication to fostering economic prosperity in the region. Through strategic governance and a commitment to collaborative development, the Alliance continues to be a cornerstone of growth and innovation in Southwest Florida.