JEFF HENDRY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE NORTH FLORIDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP, TALLAHASSEE

Through the Florida Institute of Government at FSU, the North Florida Economic Development Partnership provides technical and professional assistance to 15 rural counties in North Central Florida. Its primary efforts are devoted to recruiting new industry and assisting existing businesses in their expansion efforts. Since 2009, it has facilitated more than $1 billion in private capital investment, more than $250 million in state and federal assistance and helped produce more than 2,500 new jobs in the region.

EDUCATION: Florida Atlantic University (BS, MPA)

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I would want to be an athletic director at a university or general manager of a major sports franchise — preferably in baseball. I played baseball in college at FAU and have always been a sports junkie across most sports.

HOBBY: I really enjoy reading. I gain so much from reading the Bible and faith-based articles/books, and I also enjoy keeping up with national and state political issues, military and history publications, and documentaries focused on people who have had great impact in our world.

NOTABLE INDUSTRY TREND: We confidently believe and work everyday toward the reality that rural Florida provides the best opportunity for Florida to attract and sustain manufacturing and advanced manufacturing-based industries. In addition, as technology continues to evolve, the vast industries of agriculture (growing, processing and distributing) and logistics and distribution are limitless for our region, and throughout rural Florida. Infrastructure investment is the key!