JOHN TALMAGE

DIRECTOR, LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, FORT MYERS

The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and attract business to provide a strong economy and thriving communities. The organization has eight business professionals with various backgrounds who engage with local businesses to lure investments. Talmage has led these efforts as director since 2019.

EDUCATION: Columbia University (BA), Tulane University (MA)

READING: The New York Times Book Review

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Communicate openly about the reality of situations and to take ownership of one’s actions, no matter how challenging it may be.

IF I WERE GOVERNOR
“The first thing on my list would be to continue to expand Florida’s commitment to workforce development through apprenticeships, work training/experience, and micro-credentialing.”