Past Speakers
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January 24, 2022
Bob Miles, Executive in Residence, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Our Harbour Island neighbor, Bob Miles, is well known in Tampa for his creative leadership energy in many civic initiatives with the Economic Club and other organizations. Beyond Tampa, Miles is an acclaimed global subject matter expert regarding the values and practices which distinguish the iconic investor Warren Buffett and drive the historic success of Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway investment firm.
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December 13, 2021
Julianne M. Holt, Public Defender, 13th Judicial Circuit
A lifelong resident of Tampa, Julianne M. Holt has continuously served as the Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit since she was first elected to office in January 1993. Prior to being elected, she represented citizens as a Special Court Appointed Public Defender from 1987-1992.Ms. Holt’s legal career began shortly after graduating from law school when she opened her private law practice in 1981. In addition to her duties as the Public Defender, Ms. Holt alsoserves as an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida.
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December 6, 2021
Gordon Gillette, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
Gordon Gillette is the CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, serving in that capacity since March 2018. Prior to his current position, Gordon had a 36-year career with TECO Energy, retiring as CEO of Tampa Electric and President of its Florida operations. He also served as CFO of TECO Energy for more than 11 years prior to becoming president of Tampa Electric.
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November 29, 2021
Addison Davis, Superintendent, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Addison Davis has been serving as the Superintendent of Schools for Hillsborough County Public Schools, the nation’s 8th largest school district, since March 2020. He believes in putting students’ best interests at the heart of all decision-making, goal-based management, and building a school system that embraces the entire community.
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November 8, 2021
Lynda Remund, President & CEO, Tampa Downtown Partnership
Serving as President and CEO for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, Lynda leads the longest operating Business Improvement District in the State of Florida and serves and supports the hundreds of business members for their 34-year-old organization.
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November 1, 2021
MaryBeth Williams, Executive Director, Friends of the Riverwalk
MaryBeth Williams has been executive director of Friends of the Riverwalk since December 2019. In that role, MaryBeth has worked in partnership with the City of Tampa to develop, activate and promote Tampa's downtown waterfront, connecting riverfront parks, businesses, museums, and attractions. She has led Friends of the Riverwalk through the pandemic, boat parades, a Halloween scavenger hunt, and many other special events.
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October 25, 2021
Assistant Chief Ruben “Butch” Delgado
Assistant Chief Ruben “Butch” Delgado has served the citizens of Tampa in several capacities during his 23-year career with the Tampa Police Department. In his current role as Assistant Chief he oversees police investigations and support services functions.
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October 18, 2021
Jessica Suarez, ECOT Scholarship Recipient
A recipient of the Economic Club of Tampa Take Stock in Children College Scholarship provided through the inaugural Mayoral Ball, Jessica Suarez is now a senior at the University of South Florida majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology.