BEMETRA SIMMONS

PRESIDENT & CEO, TAMPA BAY PARTNERSHIP, TAMPA

The Tampa Bay Partnership is a coalition of about 40 regional business and nonprofit executives, driven to improve the personal and economic well-being of residents in the region. It fosters collaboration between employers, government and nonprofit partners to address pressing issues impacting the community. Simmons, who has served as president and CEO for three years, oversees a staff of five.

EDUCATION: Christian Brothers University (BS), Wake Forest University (MBA)

FIRST JOB: On an Air Force base, where I kept the scorebook during intramural basketball games. It taught me the value of teamwork, discipline and attention to detail as I tracked players’ stats and helped maintain fair play.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I would love to be an athletics director or general manager for a sports team. Combining strategic leadership with a passion for sports would allow me to cultivate a strong culture and support athletes’ development.

INDUSTRY TREND: I see growing momentum for the importance of regionalism and belief in cross-sector, public-private partnerships.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I have a big, coachable spirit and constantly seek to improve by reading books, listening to podcasts, etc.