About
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a team of engaged public and private leaders committed to being the catalyst for a sustainable, globally competitive, vibrant economy.
A Catalyst for Economic Possibilities
We connect entrepreneurs, business leaders and major corporations to new and existing development opportunities. Whether it’s for expanding an existing enterprise or relocating a business to Sarasota County, we can help.
Vision
To be the organization that is the catalyst for creating a vibrant economy that is sustainable and competitive globally.
Mission
To grow, diversify and sustain the economy of Sarasota County while enhancing our unique natural and cultural environment.
Principles
Innovation
The EDC embraces innovative thinking and processes within the organization and supports innovations in the business community.
Accountability
The EDC is responsible to its stakeholders, maintains commitments and is an excellent steward of resources.
Collaboration
The EDC fosters and promotes partnerships within the community to meet the common good.
Regionalism
The EDC recognizes the strengths and successes achieved in working together regionally.
Stewardship
The EDC promotes stewardship of the area’s natural and cultural environment in balance with a sustainable growing economy.
Leadership
The EDC provides direction and leadership in matters that affect the community’s economy.
Board of Directors
Joe C. Hembree
Chair
Vice President, Hembree & Associates Inc.
Mark Irwin
Vice Chair
Market President, Truist
Shaun P. Merriman
Treasurer
Regional President – West Florida, SouthState Bank
Erin Cigich
Secretary
CEO, Perform[cb]
Charlie Murphy
Past Chair
Executive Vice President/Market President, The Bank of Tampa
Brent Boydston
At Large Member
SVP, Corporate Sales & Innovation, PGT Innovations
Kirk Boylston
At-Large Member
President, Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty
Larry Fineberg
At-Large Member
ED, Industrial Office Warehouse, Benderson Development Company, LLC
Dr. Todd Fritch
At-Large Member
EVP and Provost, State College of Florida
Brett Henson
At-Large Member
Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Dr. Karen Holbrook
At-Large Member
Regional Chancellor, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
Devaney Iglesias
At-Large Member
West Coast Area Manager – External Affairs, Florida Power & Light Company
Art Lambert
At-Large Member
President & CEO, S-One Holdings Corp.
Joe McKenna
At-Large Member
President & CEO, Sarasota Orchestra
Mark Pritchett
At-Large Member
President and CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Drayton Saunders
At-Large Member
President, Michael Saunders & Company
Scott Sensenbrenner
At-Large Member
Chief Executive Officer, Enzymedica
Rick Severance
At-Large Member
President, Wellen Park
Byron Shinn
At-Large Member
Partner-In-Charge, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Heather Williams
At-Large Member
Shareholder, Kerkering Barberio & Co.
Dr. Bill Woodson
At-Large Member
Dean of Outreach, Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence, New College of Florida
Mayor Erik Arroyo
City of Sarasota
Commissioner Nancy C. Detert
Sarasota County
Commissioner Penelope “Penny” Gold
The Town of Longboat Key
Commissioner Jill Luke
City of North Port
Vice Mayor Nick Pachota
City of Venice
Zachary Buffington, Esq.
Board Counsel
Partner, Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen
“As Sarasota County’s largest employer, we are proud to support the EDC and serve as an economic engine for the region.”
– David Verinder, CEO, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
EDC Team
Lisa Krouse
President & CEO
(941) 309-1200 x100
Erin Silk, CEcD
Vice President, Business Development Services
(941) 309-1200 ext. 105
Allison Evanitz
Business Development Specialist
(941) 309-1200 ext. 101
Liliana Zindler
Board Liaison & Assistant to the President
(941) 309-1200 ext. 103
Karen Stewart, CEcD
Strategic Initiatives
(941) 309-1200 ext. 102
Mary Bamer
Administrative Coordinator
(941) 309-1200 ext. 106
Melissa Hightower
Administrative Assitant
(941) 309-1200 ext. 109
Invest in Sarasota County
The EDC of Sarasota County diversifies our local economy and helps create jobs for Floridians. Investing in the EDC empowers us to grow our economy and attract more business to our region.
Chairman’s Advisors
