President - Winter Haven Economic Development Council

President - Winter Haven Economic Development Council

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.

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 President will be expected to:

The President is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the WHEDC and for implementing initiatives that drive job creation, capital investment, and long-term economic vitality.

The President oversees all aspects of the organization including:

• Business Recruitment
• Business Retention and Expansion
• Investor Relations
• Government Relations
• Real Estate and Development Partnerships
• Marketing and Community Engagement
• Organizational Administration

The President works closely with state, regional, and local partners, including Florida Commerce, Select Florida, FEDC, CFDC, local economic development organizations, utilities, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders.

Essential job functions include:

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a 5-year strategic economic development plan with clear goals, metrics, and accountability.
• Lead business recruitment and expansion efforts to attract investment and create high-quality jobs in Winter Haven while cultivating relationships with commercial real estate brokers, developers, site selection consultants, investors, and major landowners.
• Support continued development and marketing of the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center and surrounding industrial corridors and drive expansion efforts.
• Identify and facilitate redevelopment and infill opportunities, including repositioning of legacy properties and underutilized sites.
• Develop and recommend incentive strategies and economic development tools to city and county leadership when appropriate.
• Work closely with local and state government leaders to align policies, incentives, and infrastructure investments that support economic growth.
• Manage and coordinate economic development projects from lead generation through successful project completion.
• Develop and manage programs focused on business retention, workforce development, and entrepreneurial growth.
• Promote Winter Haven nationally and internationally as a premier location for business investment, particularly with respect to industrial and aerospace opportunities.
• Plan and execute the organization's business development activities including trade missions, industry events, site selector engagement, and familiarization tours.

The successful candidate should demonstrate many of the following qualities and experiences:

• Strong executive presence, high ethical standards, strong interpersonal skills, and collaborative leadership style.
• Proven experience managing…