Mid America Economic Development Council

President - Winter Haven Economic Development Council

Winter Haven

Full Time

Posted

3 months ago

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.

Please note that the Selection Committee will only be reaching out to candidates it wishes to schedule interviews with.

About the Organization & Region

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) is a public-private partnership established in 2011 that is dedicated to driving economic growth, private investment, and job creation in Winter Haven, Florida.

Located in the center of Polk County—one of the fastest‑growing counties in the United States—Winter Haven is experiencing sustained population and economic expansion. Polk County’s population grew from approximately 725,000 residents in 2020 to approximately 846,000 in 2025, reflecting one of the highest growth rates in the country.

Winter Haven itself has experienced dramatic growth. The city’s municipal population increased from 33,874 residents in 2010 to more than 50,000 in 2020, and recent estimates place the population approaching 63,000 residents, representing +20% growth since 2020.

This rapid growth is occurring within the Lakeland–Winter Haven metropolitan area, which has become one of the fastest‑growing metro regions in the United States, driven by its central location between Tampa and Orlando, relatively affordable housing, and strong job market.

Winter Haven’s strategic location within Central Florida—combined with access to Interstate 4, major rail corridors, and regional distribution networks—has positioned the community as a major hub for logistics and industrial development. A central component of this growth is the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center (CFILC), a large‑scale industrial park and logistics hub that is attracting significant private investment and major employers to the region including PepsiCo, Ball, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Chick‑fil‑A Supply and Niagara Water.

As the community continues to grow, Winter Haven is also entering a new phase in which redevelopment, infill development, and strategic urban planning will play an increasingly important role in shaping the city’s economic future. Opportunities exist to redevelop legacy commercial and industrial sites, expand mixed‑use development, strengthen downtown investment, and enhance quality‑of‑place assets that support long‑term economic competitiveness.

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council is a small organization (staff of 3), in excellent financial condition, clean annual audits, and an engaged Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The WHEDC has excellent relationships with and works in close partnership with the City of Winter Haven, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Central Florida Development Council, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Winter Haven, and private sector leaders to guide this growth and ensure that the community continues to attract investment while preserving the unique character and livability of Winter Haven.

Position Description

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:

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with the WHEDC Board of Directors, City of Winter Haven leadership, Polk County officials, regional economic development partners, and other community stakeholders.
• Build and sustain a network of investors, business leaders, developers, site selection consultants, and community stakeholders.
• Identify and capitalize on Winter Haven’s competitive advantages, including its logistics assets, infrastructure, workforce, and quality of life.
• Support continued industrial growth associated with the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center and surrounding logistics and industrial development corridors.
• Help guide and facilitate redevelopment and infill development opportunities, particularly in and around downtown and legacy commercial or industrial sites.
• Maintain a deep understanding of local and regional economic trends, development patterns, and emerging industry opportunities.
• Ensure the WHEDC operates as a high‑performing organization with strong governance, fiscal responsibility, and measurable economic development outcomes.
• Serve as the community’s primary economic development advocate and thought leader, communicating Winter Haven’s vision and opportunities to investors, businesses, and partners.

Summary of Responsibilities

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.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

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 complex projects involving real estate development, land use planning, and economic development initiatives.
• Deep understanding of industrial, commercial, mixed‑use, and redevelopment processes.
• Experience and innovative strategies to help support local business expansion.
• Deep experience working closely with local, state, and federal government officials and navigating public‑sector decision‑making.
• Demonstrated success working with central Florida developers, investors, and brokers/site selection consultants.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities and execute long‑term initiatives.
• Strong project management and organizational leadership skills.
• Experience managing budgets and organizational operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong public speaking ability.
• Knowledge of economic development incentive structures and financing tools.
• Ability to build productive relationships with community leaders, businesses, and partner organizations.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, planning, finance, public administration, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a related field would be a plus.
• Economic Development or related industry certifications preferred (AICP, CECD, etc).

Working Conditions

• Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, trade shows, and industry events.
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments for community and business engagement activities.
• Permanent residency within Polk County required within 90 days of employment
• The Winter Haven EDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation

A competitive executive compensation and benefits package will be offered commensurate with experience and qualifications.