About
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a team of engaged public and private leaders committed to being the catalyst for a sustainable, globally competitive, vibrant economy.
A Catalyst for Economic Possibilities
We connect entrepreneurs, business leaders and major corporations to new and existing development opportunities. Whether it’s for expanding an existing enterprise or relocating a business to Sarasota County, we can help.
Vision
To be the organization that is the catalyst for creating a vibrant economy that is sustainable and competitive globally.
Mission
To grow, diversify and sustain the economy of Sarasota County while enhancing our unique natural and cultural environment.
Principles
Innovation
The EDC embraces innovative thinking and processes within the organization and supports innovations in the business community.
Accountability
The EDC is responsible to its stakeholders, maintains commitments and is an excellent steward of resources.
Collaboration
The EDC fosters and promotes partnerships within the community to meet the common good.
Regionalism
The EDC recognizes the strengths and successes achieved in working together regionally.
Stewardship
The EDC promotes stewardship of the area’s natural and cultural environment in balance with a sustainable growing economy.
Leadership
The EDC provides direction and leadership in matters that affect the community’s economy.
Board of Directors
Devaney Iglesias
Chair
West Coast Area Manager – External Affairs, Florida Power & Light Company
Brett Henson
Vice Chair
Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Steve Morehart, CPA
Treasurer
Director, Purvis Gray
Erin Cigich
Secretary
CEO, Perform[cb]
Mark Irwin
Immediate Past Chair
Regional CRE Manager, Truist
Dr. Michael Crosby
At-Large Member
President & CEO, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Dr. Todd Fritch
At-Large Member
EVP and Provost, State College of Florida
Dr. Karen Holbrook
At-Large Member
Regional Chancellor, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
Eric Kowalewski
At-Large Member
President of Operations – Southeast Region, PGT Innovations
Art Lambert
At-Large Member
President & CEO, S-One Holdings Corp.
Joe McKenna
At-Large Member
President & CEO, Sarasota Orchestra
Phillip Lanham
At-Large Member
President and CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Tyler McCallister
At-Large Member
Executive Vice President, Brown & Brown Insurance
Charlie Murphy
At-Large Member
Executive Vice President/Market President, The Bank of Tampa
Charles “Chip” Murphy
At-Large Member
Vice President Business Development, Michael Saunders & Company
Chris Perkins
At-Large Member
Regional President, SouthState Bank
Scott Sensenbrenner
At-Large Member
CEO, Enzymedica
Rick Severance
At-Large Member
President, Wellen Park
Garrett Shinn
At-Large Member
Partner, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Heather Williams
At-Large Member
Shareholder, Kerkering Barberio & Co.
Zachary Buffington, Esq.
Board Counsel
Partner, Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen
Commissioner Erik Arroyo
City of Sarasota
Commissioner Ron Cutsinger
Sarasota County
Commissioner Penelope “Penny” Gold
The Town of Longboat Key
Council Member Rick Howard
City of Venice
Commissioner Barbara Langdon
City of North Port
“As Sarasota County’s largest employer, we are proud to support the EDC and serve as an economic engine for the region.”
– David Verinder, CEO, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
EDC Team
Erin Silk, CEcD
President & CEO
(941) 309-1200 ext. 105
Joshua Ewen, CEcD
Vice President, Economic Development
(941) 309-1200 ext. 111
Erik Zimmer
Director of Investor Relations
(941) 309-1200 ext. 101
Mary Bamer
Board Liaison & Assistant to the President
(941) 309-1200 ext. 106
Anna Eger
Community Engagement & Event Specialist
(941) 309-1200 ext. 109
Nico Marchitello
Economic Development Specialist
(941) 309-1200 ext. 103
Lisa Palano
Office Coordinator
(941) 309-1200 ext. 100
Kaylea Schule
Marketing Specialist
(941) 309-1200 ext. 102
Invest in Sarasota County
The EDC of Sarasota County diversifies our local economy and helps create jobs for Floridians. Investing in the EDC empowers us to grow our economy and attract more business to our region.
Chair Advisors
