CRAIG J. RICHARD

PRESIDENT & CEO, TAMPA BAY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, TAMPA

Richard has led the Tampa Bay EDC since 2016, bringing more than two decades of economic development leadership experience in major markets. The EDC is the economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. It employs 16 and works to advance a diversified local economy. Over his career, he’s announced more than 432 corporate relocations and expansions, representing more than 138,128 jobs and $10.9 billion in capital investment. He currently serves as vice chair of Film Tampa Bay and on the boards of the Tampa Bay Chamber, Visit Tampa Bay, Downtown Tampa Partnership and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

EDUCATION: University of Houston (BA), Virginia Commonwealth University (MS)

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Oscar Horton, chairman and CEO of Horton Holdings, which owns and oversees the operations of Sun State International and Sun State Real Estate. He currently serves as president and CEO of Sun State International. Under his leadership, Sun State International has grown to one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the U.S.

MENTOR
“My mother. She raised six children and then went back to college and finished her degree.”