Economic developer to take the helm of St. Pete EDC
Seasoned development strategist Mike Swesey is taking the reins of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation.
Swesey will assume the new role Nov. 6, succeeding J.P. DuBuque, who exited the public-private organization in May.
Swesey has more than 30 years of economic development experience. For the past two decades he has served in various roles at the Greater Des Moines Partnership in Des Moines, Iowa, most recently as executive vice president. He led 30 successful expansion/relocation projects each year, creating more than $1 billion in new capital investment, according to the EDC.
“I’ve had my eye on this area for a long time. When the position became available, I had friends sending me the posting because they knew of my interest. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Swesey told the St. Pete Catalyst.
“The redevelopment of the Gas Plant was a huge factor. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. When you look across the country, most downtowns have high vacancies in office space, but that’s not the case in St. Pete. It’s exciting to see projects of all sizes start or in the planning process that will create additional Class A office space and housing. During the pandemic, we saw the workforce relocate to different areas and now workers are returning to the office.”
Following DuBuqe’s exit, the EDC CEO Search Committee, which includes community stakeholders St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld, started the recruitment process in conjunction with search executive search firm Next Move Group.
Swesey said Next Move Group consultants have previously engaged with him about other positions, which he did not pursue.
“It was not an easy task. I was most impressed with the quantity of highly qualified professionals interested in our community,” said St. Pete EDC Chair Elect Bill Kent, who chaired the organization’s CEO search committee.
In the first recruitment round, there were 46 applicants. The committee and executive search team narrowed the candidate pool through multiple interviewing rounds.
“We have a great story to tell and are fortunate to be where people want to live. Our tax environment is favorable, and the Gas Plant redevelopment is appealing because it’s an opportunity of a lifetime. We needed a collaborator to build bridges among teammates,” Kent said.
The EDC CEO Search Committee virtually interviewed Swesey several times before doing an in-person interview. Although Swesey hails from the Midwest, he has visited friends and family in the area for over 20 years.
Swesey said there are parallels to the industry makeup between Des Moines and St. Pete, as there’s a growing number of insurance and financial firms expanding in both markets.
“We are excited that Mike will be part of the City’s focus on inclusive progress and intentional equity as we work to attract a range of businesses that contribute innovation and investment to St. Pete,” Welch said. “We are creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity in the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Hines Historic Gas Plant partnership, and Mike’s background and commitment to equitable economic development make him the right choice. Partnerships are important and we look forward to Mike’s leadership in our community.”
Swesey is currently getting settled in with his dog, Molly. He describes himself as a “big baseball fan” and enjoys running and going to the beach.
Previous advertisements for the position stated the annual salary for the role would range from $162,500 to $237,250.
It also read the CEO must be a member of the board of directors and executive committee and be responsible for working with the executive committee and board to carry out the goals and objectives of the EDC. This includes overseeing its staff, finances and strategy development/implementation.
To date, the St. Pete EDC has worked with more than 60 companies on relocating or expanding in the Sunshine City.
