A Catalyst for Economic Possibilities

We are public-private partnership comprised of dedicated business and government leaders working together to grow a more diverse and resilient Sarasota County economy. The EDC is the designated economic development partner for Sarasota County, the Cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota and the Town of Longboat Key.

Interlocal Partners

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.

Access our Strategic Plan and FY2024 Annual Report for insights and progress.

Board of Directors

Tyler McCallister

Chair
Executive Vice President, Brown & Brown Insurance

Garrett Shinn

Vice Chair
Partner, Carr, Riggs & Ingram

Chris Perkins

Treasurer
Regional President, SouthState Bank

Dr. Michael Crosby

Secretary
President & CEO, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Devaney Iglesias

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

Commissioner Ron Cutsinger

Sarasota County

Commissioner Penelope “Penny” Gold

The Town of Longboat Key

Council Member Rick Howard

City of Venice

Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich

City of Sarasota

Commissioner Barbara Langdon

City of North Port

Jen Boyett

At-Large Member
Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs, SWFL, Comcast

Erin Cigich

At-Large Member
CEO, Perform[cb]

William "Bill" Clinebell

At-Large Member
Co-Founder & President, Relofant

Carlo Fassi

At-Large Member
External Affairs Manager, TECO Peoples Gas System

Donn Githens

At-Large Member
CEO, Goodwill Manasota

Tommy Gregory

At-Large Member
President, State College of Florida, Sarasota-Manatee

Mark Irwin

At-Large Member
Regional CRE Manager, Truist

Dr. Kemker_current

Dr. Brett Kemker

At-Large Member
Interim Regional Chancellor and Vice Provost, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

Phillip Lanham

At-Large Member
President & CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Jeff Limbocker

At-Large Member
COO, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Alan Maio

At-Large Member
Shareholder, Kimley-Horn

Joseph McKenna

At-Large Member
President & CEO, Sarasota Orchestra

Jason Metnick

At-Large Member
Chief Operating Officer, S-One Holdings Corporation

Charlie Murphy

At-Large Member
Executive Vice President/Market President, The Bank of Tampa

Charles “Chip” Murphy

At-Large Member
Vice President Business Development, Michael Saunders & Company

Christa Sullivan, Esq.

At-Large Member
Partner, Shumaker

Heather Williams

At-Large Member
Shareholder, Kerkering Barberio & Co.

Zachary Buffington, Esq.

Board Counsel
Partner, Williams Parker

Team

Erin Silk Headshot

Erin Silk, CEcD

President & CEO
(941) 309-1200 ext. 105

Joshua Ewen, CEcD

Vice President, Economic Development
(941) 309-1200 ext. 111

Amy Freese

Director of Strategic Communication & Engagement (941) 309-1200 ext. 107

Paul Littleton

Finance Director
(941) 309-1200 ext. 104

Mary Bamer

Board Liaison & Assistant to the President
(941) 309-1200 ext. 106

Nico Marchitello

Economic Development Specialist
(941) 309-1200 ext. 103

Lisa Palano

Economic Development Coordinator
(941) 309-1200 ext. 100

    Get the latest EDC news delivered straight to your inbox.