SPEAKERS

December 14, 2026

Mayor Jane Castor, the 59th Mayor of Tampa, is a lifelong resident dedicated to her city. A Chamberlain High School and University of Tampa graduate, she excelled as both basketball and volleyball scholarship athlete, earning a spot in the UT Hall of Fame.

Post-graduation, her public service career began with the Tampa Police Department, where she rose through the ranks to become Tampa’s first female Chief of Police in 2009. During her six-years leading the department, she reduced major crimes by 70% through innovative strategies.

Elected mayor of the City of Tampa in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, Mayor Castor launched the Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow (T3) initiative to tackle key issues like transportation, affordable housing, and sustainability. Her administration also spearheaded the $3 billion PIPES program, aimed at overhauling Tampa's aging infrastructure. Through her proactive approach to environmental stewardship, she created the city’s first Sustainability and Resilience Officer position, which led to the creation of Tampa’s first Climate Action and Equity Plan.

A proud Seminole Heights resident, Mayor Castor enjoys fishing and supporting Tampa Bay’s sports teams with her family, including her partner Ana Cruz and their sons, Sergei and Seely.