St. Pete EDC commences search for next CEO

The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation is formally initiating the search process to tap its new leader. 

The search comes as J.P. DuBuque, who headed the EDC since 2016, helping bolster the region’s workforce and recruiting companies, exited his post last month as the president and CEO. 

The EDC CEO Search Committee, which includes community stakeholders St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld, have developed a job profile in conjunction with search consultant Next Move Group. 

Next Move Group is a New Orleans-based economic development consultant with national and local experience that has worked with economic development organizations throughout Florida, including Enterprise Florida and the Pinellas County Economic Development department. 

In working with the consultant, the team has opened the application process. The ideal leader will spearhead the EDC’s mission of marketing, developing business relationships and promoting the St. Pete region as a world-class business and career location. 

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, according to the job description. 

In a multi-page advertisement for the position, the EDC details the economic viability of the city, highlighting the startup community, marine sciences, technology and fintech sectors. It also describes the high quality of life, robust arts and culture organizations, educational institutions, and large companies in the area including Jabil, Raymond James Financial, Neptune Flood and ARK Invest among other employers. 

The public document states the annual salary for the position would range from $162,500 to $237,250.

The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience serving in an executive role with a large focus on strategic and financial responsibility. 

However, the web page states the CEO Search Committee will conduct initial interviews. Following the interviews, additional community stakeholders will be involved in the selection process. 

The EDC plans to name the new president and CEO by this fall, ahead of its 2024 planning and budget session. 

Applications are due by June 21. The applicant must provide a cover letter, a resume and three references. 

During the leadership transition, the executive committee will continue to work closely with the EDC staff on its marketing and business development efforts, and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce staff will continue to provide resources and serve as a sounding board, according to the EDC. 

The EDC said questions should be directed to Marcus Greene, St. Pete EDC Chair and local market president for Truist, via email at marcus.greene[at]truist.com.