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Mike Meidel, CEcD
Director
 Mike Meidel took the helm as Director of Pinellas County Economic Development in August 2004, continuing his distinguished career in the region, and bringing with him his experience as an economic development professional and a community leader.
Mike has been involved in economic development efforts in Florida since 1982. He joined the Florida Power (now Progress Energy) Economic Development Department in 1987 and became the Area Manager for North Pinellas County in 1996. He served in that capacity for three years, and was selected as President and CEO of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce in 1999. Mike is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). He has built his career around the diverse but interconnected aspects of economic development, and regards bringing quality jobs to area residents as extremely rewarding work.
With Pinellas County Economic Development, Mike continues to focus on recruiting new businesses to the area, as well as assisting existing firms in expanding their entrepreneurial success.
Phone: 727-464-7421
E-mail: mmeidel@pinellascounty.org
Suzanne Christman, CEcD
Senior Manager of Business Development
 Suzanne Christman started with Pinellas County Economic Development in December of 2000 and was appointed Senior Manager of Business Development in June of 2003. She manages the department's business expansion, recruitment, retention, Brownfields redevelopment, and international trade initiatives.
Prior to joining Pinellas County, Suzanne served as Business Development Officer of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, a regional, privately funded economic development agency. Previous to this, Suzanne served as Member Services Manager for the largest regional chamber of commerce in New York State, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, which served over 3,500 members.
Suzanne is a graduate of Bryant & Stratton Business Institute, the University of Phoenix, and has received the distinction of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
She has served various professional, civic, and community organizations including the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and the Florida Medical Manufacturer's Association.
Phone: 727-464-8122
E-mail: schristman@pinellascounty.org
Kathleen Good, Esquire, CGBP
International Business Development Manager
 Kathleen has been with Economic Development since May of 2001, specializing in Foreign Market Development. She provides export counseling, educational programs and overseas opportunities to grow local industries through trade. She is also a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP).
Kathleen's former positions incorporate many aspects of global business. Past employers include: US Embassy in Belgium; MassCollege Global Studies; WABU-TV; Houston Herstek Favat Advertising; and the Walt Disney World Company.
Kathleen holds a JD from Boston University School of Law (International), previously receiving her Masters of Arts from Emerson College in Global Marketing/Political Communication. In addition, she acquired Bachelors of Arts from the University of Akron in Business-Marketing/Advertising.
Kathleen is active in various professional associations, appointed by the US Department of Commerce to serve on the National District Export Council. She is also a board member to both the Tampa Bay International Business Council and Tampa Bay Women in International Trade.
Phone: 727-464-7423
E-mail: kgood@pinellascounty.org
Teri Hasbrouck
Business Development Manager
Brownfields Redevelopment Program
 Teri Hasbrouck has been with Pinellas County Economic Development since November of 2004. She is a Business Development Manager specializing in Brownfield Redevelopment projects. Teri works with businesses, municipalities, and other Pinellas County departments to redevelop properties that have environmental impacts from previous uses.
Teri obtained a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a Masters of Science in Renewable Natural Resource (toxicology) from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining Pinellas County, Teri worked in the utility industry and as a consultant for numerous clients and businesses.
She has served various professional, academic and community organizations including: the Florida Brownfield Association, Board of Directors; the Tampa Bay Association of Environmental Professionals, Board of Directors; and is a long-term, active member of the National Association of Environmental Professionals. Teri is also the founder of the Tampa Bay Brownfield Partnership, a regional networking partnership for Brownfield practitioners.
Phone: 727-464-7319
E-mail: thasbrouck@pinellascounty.org
Jennifer Olsen, CEcD
Business Development Manager
Business & Financial Services and Information Technology
 Jennifer Olsen has been with Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) since May of 2001. She is a Business Development Manager specializing in the targeted industries of Financial/Business Services and Information Technology. Jennifer's responsibilities include growing these industries through personal meetings with CEO's, site consultants and corporate decision makers. She explains the benefits and advantages of locating and expanding companies in the pro-business climate of Pinellas County and helps companies find the resources necessary to grow and train their workforce.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Florida and the Certified Economic Developer designation (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council. Jennifer was also named a member of the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 30 Under 30 Class of 2006.
Jennifer is actively involved in the community and participates with; STAR TEC Advisory Board, Financial Florida, Seminole Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, and Tampa Bay Technology Forum.
Phone: 727-464-7347
E-mail: jolsen@pinellascounty.org
Danielle Ruiz
Business Development Manager
Life Sciences/Medical Technologies
 Danielle Ruiz has been with Pinellas County Economic Development since July of 2003. She is currently a Business Development Manager specializing in the Life Sciences and Medical Technologies industry clusters. Danielle has successfully expanded and relocated several high technology employers to Pinellas County, highlighting the strong, existing industry cluster and the State and local incentives available to grow, train and retain the local workforce.
Danielle obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University, majoring in Business Management. Danielle anticipates obtaining her Certified Economic Developer Designation (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council in September 2007 and is a State of Florida Certified Workforce Professional.
Danielle is active in the community and participates in the Florida Medical Manufacturers' Consortium Programs Committee, Florida High Tech Corridor Workforce Committee, Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Economic Development, and Government Affairs Committee.
Phone: 727-464-7489
E-mail: druiz@pinellascounty.org
Dave Sobush
Business Development Manager
Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation & Aerospace, and Optics and Photonics
 Dave Sobush joined Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) in January 2007. As a Business Development Manager specializing in the Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation & Aerospace, and Optics and Photonics industry clusters, Dave assists employers with their Pinellas County expansions and relocations by highlighting State and local incentives available to grow, train, and retain the local workforce.
Dave earned an MBA from the University of South Florida in addition to baccalaureate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida. Dave anticipates sitting for the International Economic Development Council's Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) examination in 2008.
Dave's community participation activities include the Bay Area Manufacturers Association, the Florida Aviation Aerospace Alliance, the Florida Photonics Association, Florida Space, the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer's Council, and Creative Tampa Bay.
Phone: 727-464-7353
E-mail: dsobush@pinellascounty.org
Dede Wortendyke, MBA, EDFP
Business Development Specialist
 Dede Wortendyke joined Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) in March of 2002. She has been a resident of Pinellas County 90% of her life, leaving only to obtain her Bachelor's Degree in International Management and work for a few years in Orlando as an Operations Manager overseeing six branches for AmSouth Bank.
As a Business Development Specialist, Dede handles the Business Development division's budgetary and capital investment tracking, manages several databases, including the Commercial Real Estate Database portion of PCED's website, and is the first point of contact for incoming leads. She creates customized web pages by conducting research and compiling information to meet the company's specific needs. Dede works closely with our municipal Economic Development partners to assist in the retention aspect of our mission.
Dede holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a specialized certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional.
Phone: 727-464-8119
E-mail: dwortendyke@pinellascounty.org
Dr. Cynthia Johnson
Senior Manager, Business Assistance
 Dr. Cynthia Johnson serves as Senior Manager for Business Assistance, focusing on developing a highly professional team committed to creating relevant relationships and partnerships that assist in the creation of new businesses, leading to more and better jobs for Pinellas County.
Before making the transition to Pinellas County Economic Development in July, 2000, Cynthia was an Assistant Principal with the Pinellas County Schools. During her ten years as an educator, Cynthia led the business and education partner relations liaison.
Cynthia is a graduate of Florida Memorial University, Miami, FL with a BS in Education and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Organization from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She holds many professional memberships in both economic development and education organizations.
Phone: 727-464-7445
E-mail: cyjohnson@pinellascounty.org
Kurt Forster
Business Assistance Manager
 Kurt found his interest in business counseling and training working at the USF Center for Organizational Communication while completing his Master's Degree in Communication. Later he put that experience to use, owning and operating two separate market research businesses. The entrepreneurial spirit stuck with Kurt even while working in large organizations, opening new offices for the State of Wyoming's Business Council and St. Petersburg College. Today, he enjoys serving the community as Manager and Certified Business Counselor for the Pinellas County Business Development Center. Kurt developed his enthusiastic facilitator style working in an interesting variety of teaching positions - from college instructor to Sea World animal trainer, to alpine ski instructor - and is especially proud to offer his service as a Certified Instructor of the NxLeveL Business Training Classes. Kurt is also known as a community leader, having founded Common Ground, a downtown development organization in St. Petersburg, and assists in a variety of local area chamber of commerce committees.
Phone: 727-464-8113
E-mail: kforster@pinellascounty.org
Yolanda Goodloe Cowart
Business Assistance Specialist
 Yolanda Cowart works in Pinellas County Economic Development's Business Development Center, providing assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. She has a total of 15 years of local municipal experience. Before making the transition to Pinellas County Economic Development, Yolanda worked as a Human Relations Specialist for Lee County Government, where she served as the County Liaison to community and advocacy groups, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Council. In Broward County, Yolanda served as the Equal Opportunity Director for the City of Fort Lauderdale, where she managed the Business Enterprise Programs for capital improvement plans and construction projects through both the Federal Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Authority.
Yolanda is a graduate of Florida State University with a BA in Political Science and History. She also has a considerable amount of graduate courses under her belt in the University of South Florida's Public Administration Program.
Phone: 727-453-7228
E-mail: ycowart@pinellascounty.org
Wilma Milián, MBA
Business Assistance Specialist
PCBDC/HBIF
 Wilma Milián joined the Pinellas County Business Development Center (PCBDC) in July 2006. She works for the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund (HBIF) West Coast, a non profit organization that partners with Pinellas County Economic Development's Business Assistance Partnership (BAP) program. As a Business Assistance Specialist Wilma provides bilingual technical assistance to minority entrepreneurs wishing to start their own businesses and business owners looking to expand or relocate. Before joining the PCBDC, Wilma worked as a Hispanic Financial Specialist in a local bank. In this role she helped small business owners to achieve their American Dream: "To be successful business owners and home owners." Prior to moving to Florida she worked as a sales representative in Puerto Rico for a U.S. pharmaceutical company.
Wilma graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, with a BS and has an MBA from the University of Phoenix, Puerto Rico Campus. She is an active member of the Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Phone: 727-453-7230
E-mail: bdcbap@pinellascounty.org
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