SARASOTA, FL (June 17, 2021) The Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County voted today to retain Lisa Krouse as the interim CEO when current interim CEO Dave Bullock steps down.
June 30 will be Bullock’s last day, and Krouse will officially start on July 1.
“The EDC’s sole focus is to help grow and diversify the economy of Sarasota County,” Bullock said. “It’s been humbling to serve the past year and half, knowing almost 1,500 businesses were helped and thousands of local workers kept their jobs due in part to the work done at the EDC. I know the community is appreciative of these efforts.”
Krouse, who recently retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at FCCI Insurance Group and still serves on that Board, is the incoming Chair of the EDC’s Board of Directors. Rather than do that, she has resigned from the EDC Board and moved into the interim CEO role as she has been working closely with Dave Bullock.
“We will be focused on the strategic direction and future of the EDC, working with our Board, community stakeholders and diverse business community,” Krouse said. “There have been many local leaders who have made a major investment in the EDC and we want to see that this important work continues.”
Krouse said she will immediately convene an expanded transition team tasked with establishing the strategic plan for the EDC.”I appreciate the commitment the Board has extended to this organization and I am looking forward to their help in facilitating a successful transition.”
“We’re fortunate that someone as capable as Lisa Krouse is willing to step up at this important moment for the EDC,” Board Chairman Charlie Murphy said. “We’ll need a steady hand for the changes moving forward and she offers just that.”
Krouse said she will stay on as long as needed to support the board and the EDC’s function.
Media Inquiries: Dave Bullock, dbullock@edcsarasotacounty.com
The EDC of Sarasota County is the private, not-for-profit corporation leading the community’s economic development strategy to add high-wage jobs and diversify the local economy. The EDC provides business assistance to companies in Sarasota County and helps forge solutions to community challenges that affect our capacity to build a diversified economy. The EDC works in partnership with chambers of commerce, local governments and other organizations throughout the county and the region. For more information, visit www.edcsarasotacounty.com.
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