ARCHIE COLLINS

PRESIDENT & CEO, TAMPA ELECTRIC, TAMPA

Collins joined Tampa Electric as its chief operating officer in 2018. He has led the electricity provider as president and CEO since May 2021, directing around 2,600 employees and their service to 860,000 customers across West-Central Florida. Collins serves as the 2026 chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. Other recent leadership roles include spots on the boards of the Florida State Fair Authority, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Medical and Research District, the Florida Council of 100 and Enterprise Florida.

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

PERSONAL RESET: I reenergize when I am alone in the forest. The stillness is awe-inspiring.

INDUSTRY TREND: The explosion in data centers driven by the generative AI revolution. This is resulting in unprecedented demand for power from electric utilities like TECO. In a regulated electricity state like Florida, attracting data centers is key to keeping electricity rates affordable (below the national average) and would also be a boon to economic development and tax creation. ... We are doing what we can to help unlock this promise.

IN MY DOWNTIME: I enjoy singing, playing the acoustic guitar and the art of songwriting.

FOOD FIX: I love beef stroganoff. The secret is extra sour cream.