KELLY SMALLRIDGE
PRESIDENT & CEO, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, WEST PALM BEACH
The Business Development Board, with 14 employees, serves as the official public/private economic development organization for all 39 cities in Palm Beach County. Its primary role is to recruit, retain and expand companies to the area for job creation and industry diversification. Over the past decade, Smallridge has spearheaded the influx of financial service firms to Palm Beach County, heralding an economic metamorphosis. Termed as "Wall Street South," the initiative has attracted more than 200 financial service firms, catalyzing profound shifts in the state’s economic landscape.
EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS)
IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would prioritize highlighting the excellence of both our public and private universities, spotlighting talented individuals relocating to Florida, graduating from our esteemed institutions, and spearheading successful businesses.
READING: I recommend the book How Women Rise, by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith, which explores common habits and behaviors that can hold women back in their careers and offers practical advice for overcoming these barriers.
MENTOR: My Dad is my ultimate mentor for countless reasons. With a remarkable 35-year career at Pratt & Whitney as a rocket engineer, his brilliance and expertise have always inspired me. Yet, what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to family.
