GRAY SWOOPE

PRESIDENT & CEO, VISIONFIRST ADVISORS, TALLAHASSEE

Gray Swoope launched VisionFirst Advisors in 2015 after serving as Florida’s secretary of commerce from 2011 to 2015. Today, VisionFirst is a Florida-based firm that recently announced a strategic alliance with The Southern Group, a leading lobbying firm. Swoope and eight other team members have a client list that includes work in 48 states and engagements with eight Fortune 500 companies. Since its inception, VisionFirst’s location advisory work has resulted in the announcement of nearly $20 billion private-capital investment and 8,000 jobs.

EDUCATION: Mississippi State University (BS, MBA)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would create a strategy for regions to partner and develop ways for the state to be the epicenter of reshoring American companies that are using advanced technologies to produce products. The plan would be driven by regions and supported by the state to entice private investment in targeted industries that grow wages, utilize our resources in education and transportation and add value to our economy.

MENTOR: With our recent strategic partnership with TSG, I have had the opportunity to work with Paul Bradshaw. As we grow VisionFirst, he has been a great mentor on how to transition from an entrepreneurial startup to a growth-driven business.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Dick Nunis, former Disney executive who led the site search for Disney World. As an economic development professional who has spent a career in site selection, his thoughts were incredibly insightful and valuable. Dick spent a career executing a vision from none other than Walt Disney.