President - Winter Haven Economic Development Council

President - Winter Haven Economic Development Council

Winter Haven

Full Time

Posted

3 months ago

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC), a public-private partnership dedicated to driving economic growth, private investment, and job creation in Winter Haven, Florida, is seeking candidates to fill the staff role of President.

Please note that the Selection Committee will only be reaching out to candidates it wishes to schedule interviews with.

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) is a public-private partnership established in 2011 that is dedicated to driving economic growth, private investment, and job creation in Winter Haven, Florida.

Located in the center of Polk County—one of the fastest‑growing counties in the United States—Winter Haven is experiencing sustained population and economic expansion. Polk County’s population grew from approximately 725,000 residents in 2020 to approximately 846,000 in 2025, reflecting one of the highest growth rates in the country.

Winter Haven itself has experienced dramatic growth. The city’s municipal population increased from 33,874 residents in 2010 to more than 50,000 in 2020, and recent estimates place the population approaching 63,000 residents, representing +20% growth since 2020.

This rapid growth is occurring within the Lakeland–Winter Haven metropolitan area, which has become one of the fastest‑growing metro regions in the United States, driven by its central location between Tampa and Orlando, relatively affordable housing, and strong job market.

Winter Haven’s strategic location within Central Florida—combined with access to Interstate 4, major rail corridors, and regional distribution networks—has positioned the community as a major hub for logistics and industrial development. A central component of this growth is the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center (CFILC), a large‑scale industrial park and logistics hub that is attracting significant private investment and major employers to the region including Pepsi Co, Ball, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Chick‑fil‑A Supply and Niagara Water.

As the community continues to grow, Winter Haven is also entering a new phase in which redevelopment, infill development, and strategic urban planning will play an increasingly important role in shaping the city’s economic future. Opportunities exist to redevelop legacy commercial and industrial sites, expand mixed‑use development, strengthen downtown investment, and enhance quality‑of‑place assets that support long‑term economic competitiveness.

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council is a small organization (staff of
3), in excellent financial condition, clean annual audits, and an engaged Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The WHEDC has excellent relationships with and works in close partnership with the City of Winter Haven, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Central Florida Development Council, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Winter Haven, and private sector leaders to guide this growth and ensure that the community continues to attract investment while preserving the unique character and livability of Winter Haven.

The President of the Winter Haven Economic Development Council will have both the opportunity and responsibility to shape the next phase of economic development in one of Florida’s fastest‑growing communities.

The successful candidate will lead the organization’s strategy to attract investment, support business expansion, and guide development initiatives that enhance Winter Haven’s competitiveness and quality of place. The President will also assist in the community’s transition from a primarily greenfield development environment to one that increasingly emphasizes strategic redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and thoughtful urban planning.

This role requires a leader with experience in economic development strategy, business expansion, real estate development, urban planning, combined with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with community partners and government leaders at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.

The…