ARCHIE COLLINS

PRESIDENT & CEO, TAMPA ELECTRIC, TAMPA

With more than three decades of experience in the energy industry, Collins was appointed to lead Tampa Electric in 2021. The power company has nearly 2,500 employees and provides electricity to 840,000 customers in West Central Florida. Collins has served on the boards of the Florida Council of 100 and Enterprise Florida. He also serves on the boards of Southeastern Electric Exchange, the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council and the Tampa Theatre.

EDUCATION: St. Francis Xavier University (BS), Dalhousie University (BS)

READING: Vimy, by Canadian author Pierre Berton. It captures the birth of a nation, but it is also a powerful illustration of what can be accomplished by involving all members of the team. A print of the painting 'The Ghosts of Vimy Ridge' hangs above my desk to remind me of the importance of effective leadership.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Former Gov. Bob Martinez. He is gracious with his time, generous with his advice, and his energy and commitment to this state is infectious.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: If you won’t remember it five years from now, it’s probably not as important as it might seem in the moment.

MANTRA FOR SUCCESS
“Be consistent. As leaders, we strive to have courage, to be curious, to care and to be fair-minded — but being consistent in those things is the real key to success.”