GrowFL, Florida’s only organization dedicated exclusively to supporting second-stage businesses, today announced that its Board of Directors has named Jennifer Taylor as President and Chief Executive Officer. 

As a seasoned economic development professional, Taylor managed lead generation and business recruitment efforts for the Central Florida Development Council and the EDC of Sarasota County. Prior to, she spent more than 15 years as Vice President of Business Development for the Tampa Bay Partnership – an eight-county, regional economic development organization. 

Throughout her career, she has worked with corporate and industrial expansions and relocations such as McDonnell Douglas, Bristol Myers Squibb, Publix Super Markets, McKinsey Consulting, Depository Trust & Clearing, Nucor Steel Florida, Valmont Newmark, Amazon Air, and others that resulted in more than $1.8 billion in new capital investment and the creation of 8,500 new full-time jobs in Florida. 

“I am honored and humbled at the opportunity to serve GrowFL in this capacity. This is an economic developer’s dream actually – providing tools, resources, and CEO connections to Florida’s second-stage companies to help them grow to the next level,” Taylor said. “These companies are Florida’s future and being a part of their success is extremely rewarding.” 

“Jennifer is a great addition to the team. She truly gets what we are doing and brings energy, great skills, and relevant experience with her. I’m looking forward to working with her as we usher in a new year and a new chapter to GrowFL and the second stage companies we proudly serve,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL Founder.

Taylor’s appointment comes as the organization’s former President and CEO, Tammie Sweet, is pursuing a new career with Florida-based technology company, Coastal Cloud.