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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

Mark Irwin

Mark Irwin

Chair

Market President, Truist

Devaney Iglesias

Devaney Iglesias

Vice Chair

West Coast Area Manager – External Affairs, Florida Power & Light Company

Steve Morehart, CPA

Steve Morehart, CPA

Treasurer

Director, Purvis Gray

Erin Cigich

Erin Cigich

Secretary

CEO, Perform[cb]

Dr. Todd Fritch

Dr. Todd Fritch

At-Large Member

EVP and Provost, State College of Florida

Brett Henson

Brett Henson

At-Large Member

Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Dr. Karen Holbrook

Dr. Karen Holbrook

At-Large Member

Regional Chancellor, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

Eric Kowalewski

Eric Kowalewski

At-Large Member

President of Operations – Southeast Region, PGT Innovations

Art Lambert

Art Lambert

At-Large Member

President & CEO, S-One Holdings Corp.

Joe McKenna

Joe McKenna

At-Large Member

President & CEO, Sarasota Orchestra

Charlie Murphy

Charlie Murphy

At-Large Member

Executive Vice President/Market President, The Bank of Tampa

Charles “Chip” Murphy

Charles “Chip” Murphy

At-Large Member

Vice President Business Development, Michael Saunders & Company

Chris Perkins

Chris Perkins

At-Large Member

Regional President, SouthState

Mark Pritchett

Mark Pritchett

At-Large Member

President and CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Scott Sensenbrenner

Scott Sensenbrenner

At-Large Member

CEO, Enzymedica

Rick Severance

Rick Severance

At-Large Member

President, Wellen Park

Byron Shinn

Byron Shinn

At-Large Member

Partner-In-Charge, Carr, Riggs & Ingram

Heather Williams

Heather Williams

At-Large Member

Shareholder, Kerkering Barberio & Co.

Zachary Buffington, Esq.

Zachary Buffington, Esq.

Board Counsel

Partner, Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen

Commissioner Erik Arroyo

Commissioner Erik Arroyo

City of Sarasota

Commission Chair Ron Cutsinger

Commission Chair Ron Cutsinger

Sarasota County

Commissioner Penelope “Penny” Gold

Commissioner Penelope “Penny” Gold

The Town of Longboat Key

Mayor Barbara Langdon

Mayor Barbara Langdon

City of North Port

Council Member Dick Longo

Council Member Dick Longo

City of Venice

“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

Lisa Krouse

President & CEO

(941) 309-1200 x100

Erin Silk, CEcD

Erin Silk, CEcD

Chief Operations Officer

(941) 309-1200 ext. 105

Allison Evanitz

Allison Evanitz

Director, Community & Investor Engagement

(941) 309-1200 ext. 101

Joshua Ewen

Joshua Ewen

Director, Economic Development

(941) 309-1200 ext. 111

Karen Stewart, CEcD

Karen Stewart, CEcD

Strategic Initiatives

(941) 309-1200 ext. 102

Liliana Zindler

Liliana Zindler

Board Liaison & Assistant to the President

(941) 309-1200 ext. 103

Mary Bamer

Mary Bamer

Administrative Coordinator

(941) 309-1200 ext. 106

Anna Eger

Community Investment and Event Coordinator

(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.

Chair Advisors