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As Secretary, Mr. Kelly oversees Florida鈥檚 economic strategy and global outreach, including efforts to attract investment, support small business growth, and expand international trade. In 2025, he co-led a Florida economic leadership delegation to Tokyo focused on strengthening trade and investment ties with Japan, underscoring Florida鈥檚 growing role in global commerce.

Mr. Kelly鈥檚 professional experience spans state government leadership and policy development. He previously served as Vice President for the Foundation for Excellence in Education, a prominent education reform organization, and as Chief of Staff to the Florida Commissioner of Education. His public service also includes multiple roles in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, such as Staff Director for the Redistricting Committee and Chief Analyst for the House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning. He has served as Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and legislative affairs director for the Departments of Corrections and Elder Affairs.

Mr. Kelly earned a BA in Political Science from York College of Pennsylvania and an MA in Political Science from the University of Florida.  Mr. Kelly is originally from Maryland.

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Mr. Simas brings more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of business, government, and civic leadership to the role he has held since 2023. Prior to joining the Council, he served as Executive Vice President of the Partnership for New York City, a coalition of more than 300 leading companies working to advance New York鈥檚 economic vitality and global competitiveness. In that role, he helped build partnerships between CEOs and government leaders, supported the creation of the $1.2 billion Excelsior Jobs Program, and led initiatives that delivered significant tax savings and investment in innovation, transit modernization, and the life sciences sector.

He later served as Chief of Staff to the Co-CEO of First Republic Bank, working closely on strategy, operations, and client engagement. Earlier in his career, he led Northeast Government Relations for General Electric.

At The Florida Council of 100, Mr. Simas has focused the organization鈥檚 work on economic competitiveness, infrastructure, and resilience, while strengthening collaboration among business leaders, policymakers, and communities across the state. He also serves on the Board of SelectFlorida. Mr. Simas holds a BA from the University of Rhode Island.

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In his current position, Mr. Alfonso is second in command and has been pivotal in leading Port Tampa Bay to achieve record growth across multiple sectors, including cargo tonnage, cruise passenger traffic, revenues, and real estate development. 

With more than 35 years of industry experience, Mr. Alfonso has a distinguished career in the maritime and port management sector. Before his tenure at Port Tampa Bay, he held significant roles at PORTMIAMI, JAXPORT, as well as at the ports of Freeport, Balboa, and Cristobal. Throughout his career, Mr. Alfonso has developed a deep understanding of the dynamics of port operations and commercial development. 

Mr. Alfonso is a graduate of Florida International University and is fluent in three languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese. His diverse experience and expertise in global trade and maritime logistics have made him a key figure in the industry. In his current position, Mr. Alfonso is second in command and has been pivotal in leading Port Tampa Bay to achieve record growth across multiple sectors, including cargo tonnage, cruise passenger traffic, revenues, and real estate development. 

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Mr. Abreu currently serves as Senior Supply Chain Manager at OPSWAT, where he leads end-to-end supply chain strategy, including demand planning, inventory optimization, supplier management, and logistics operations supporting critical infrastructure cybersecurity solutions.

Throughout his career, Mr. Abreu has focused on building resilient, data-driven supply chains that balance cost efficiency with reliability and scalability. He has a strong track record of improving forecasting accuracy, strengthening third-party logistics partnerships, and aligning supply chain operations with broader business growth objectives. Known for his analytical mindset and collaborative leadership style, he works closely with procurement, engineering, finance, and operations teams to drive continuous improvement.

Mr. Abreu holds a degree from DeVry University and remains actively engaged with emerging trends in supply chain technology, risk mitigation, and operational transformation. His work reflects a commitment to innovation, agility, and excellence in global supply chain management.

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In his capacity with GACC South, Mr. Borawski helps build and expand the Florida Chapter鈥檚 footprint by connecting German and U.S. companies, government partners, and local leaders to foster bilateral economic collaboration. He鈥檚 played a key role in launching the chapter鈥檚 programming and events, including its inaugural opening ceremony in Tampa, which brought together business leaders, public officials, and international stakeholders to celebrate and advance transatlantic partnerships.

As Managing Director of Astaras, Inc., Mr. Borawski contributes to the growth and operational leadership of the company, driving business development and strengthening organizational strategy, including activities recognized in company milestone celebrations and industry networking.

He鈥檚 a graduate of Hochschule Bielefeld 鈥� University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany.

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At CAE, Mr. Coucoules advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, including Program Manager and Senior Manager. In these positions, he built a foundation in managing technically complex programs, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing effective program governance and operational strategies.

Prior to joining CAE, Mr. Coucoules served as a Project Manager at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he led projects spanning multiple functional areas, including finance, engineering, and web development. He managed subcontractor performance and acted as a key customer interface between Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and other contractor leads, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and the successful implementation of program improvement initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Coucoules worked as a Project Management Analyst at SAIC, providing project and financial management support across multiple programs using Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. He also managed portfolio metrics for the Integrated Communication Information Systems (ICIS) division.

Mr. Coucoules holds a BS from 911爆料网st Virginia University and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

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Under his leadership, the MUFG Tampa office has become a dynamic center for operations, risk, technology, and client support, reflecting his commitment to efficiency, innovation, and a strong regional presence.

Mr. Palmeri brings more than three decades of financial services experience to his operations leadership. Before transitioning to operations, he held a series of senior roles that grounded him deeply in banking strategy and client solutions. His background includes leadership in strategic planning, corporate and investment banking, private credit and alternative asset coverage, and financial oversight functions, giving him a comprehensive view of how complex banking businesses create value.

His earlier career spans leadership and oversight roles across multiple firms, including senior positions in strategic planning, corporate and investment banking, and financial services operations, adding breadth to his executive perspective.

Mr. Palmeri earned both a BS and an MBA at the NYU Stern School of Business.

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In her role at SelectFlorida, she leads international investment strategies, strengthens global partnerships, and drives initiatives that connect international investors with business opportunities across the state.

Before joining SelectFlorida, Ms. Lawson served as International Trade & Development Manager for the Tampa Bay region at Enterprise Florida, where she supported export growth for companies across a 10-county region. She provided expert counseling, managed state trade grants, promoted international trade shows and missions, and coordinated educational programs for Florida businesses engaged in global markets.

Ms. Lawson鈥檚 background in international economic development began at the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and with Global Tampa Bay, the region鈥檚 trade and investment partnership. In those roles, she led trade missions to Latin America and investment missions to Europe, oversaw international project leads, and managed marketing and communications for regional economic promotion.

She holds a MS in International Development and Emerging Economies from King鈥檚 College London and a BA from the University of Tampa. Her academic experience includes research on the informal economy in Cusco, Peru, and founding a social enterprise project in northern Ghana.

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Mayor Castor began her career with the Tampa Police Department, rising through the ranks to become Tampa鈥檚 first female Chief of Police in 2009. During her six-year tenure as chief, she implemented progressive law enforcement strategies, reorganized the department, and helped reduce major crime by approximately 70% citywide.

Elected mayor in 2019 and reelected in 2023, Mayor Castor launched the Transforming Tampa鈥檚 Tomorrow (T3) advisory teams to address critical priorities such as transportation, affordable housing, workforce development, sustainability, and resilience. Her administration is leading the $3 billion Progressive Infrastructure Plan for Environmental Sustainability (PIPES) to modernize aging water and wastewater systems. She also has secured more than $90 million in federal and state funding for transportation and mobility projects and established the city鈥檚 first Sustainability and Resilience Officer and Climate Action and Equity Plan.

In 2015, Mayor Castor was recognized with the 911爆料网 President鈥檚 Distinguished Citizen Award. She鈥檚 also active in the community including participation on the Gracepoint Mental Health and 911爆料网llness Board of Directors, Starting Right, Now Board of Directors, RISE Tampa Police Foundation Founder and Board Chair, Bike Walk Tampa Bay Board Chair, and The Athena Society Board of Directors and GTE Financial Supervisory Committee. Mayor Castor is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a Police Foundation Fellow.

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In his role at AquaFence, Mr. Hansson leads revenue strategy and U.S. market growth, driving commercial expansion and strategic partnerships that advance resilience solutions amid rising climate-related risks.

AquaFence鈥檚 technology 鈥� notably its role in protecting Tampa General Hospital during Hurricane Helene 鈥� attracted international coverage to the company鈥檚 mission to deliver solutions that preserve lives and critical services. AquaFence recently established a permanent presence in the Tampa Bay region, positioning the area as a hub for its U.S. operations and engagement with public agencies, private partners, and infrastructure stakeholders.

Before joining AquaFence, Mr. Hansson spent more than 25 years in the financial services industry, holding leadership roles with hedge funds and investment organizations where he developed expertise in strategic finance, capital markets, and business development.

Mr. Hansson holds degrees from Heriot-Watt University and the University of North Dakota.

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Anchored by Tampa General Hospital and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the district brings together academic institutions, research organizations, life sciences companies, startups, and investors to position Tampa as a global hub for medical and scientific innovation. Ms. Crabtree also oversees corporate communications across the Tampa General health system.

Previously, Ms. Crabtree served as VP of Corporate Communications and Chief of Staff to the President and CEO of Tampa General, where she led enterprise-wide communications, partnerships, and strategic initiatives in support of the organization鈥檚 growth as a leading academic health system. Prior to joining Tampa General in 2019, she led marketing, public relations, and community outreach at Jupiter Medical Center.

Ms. Crabtree is an active leader in the Tampa Bay community and currently serves on the boards of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Area YMCA, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, and Tampa Bay Downtown Partnership. She is a graduate of Leadership Tampa and Leadership Florida Connect and holds an MBA from the 911爆料网 and a BA from Florida State University.

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Mr. Allen specializes in market analysis and site-selection for international and domestic companies expanding or relocating to Tampa. Over the course of his decades-long career in economic development, Mr. Allen has successfully recruited over 70 companies creating more than 12,500 jobs and accounting for $5.6 billion in economic impact.

He has earned many accomplishments and honors, including: North America鈥檚 Top 50 Economic Developers, 2020 and 2017, Development Counsellors International (DCI) 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� Award, 2019 Economic Developer of the Year by the Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED), 2017.
 
Before Tampa, Mr. Allen was the Executive Vice President of Business Development at the Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP), where he managed the business development team and its programs.. Prior to GRP, he was the Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), where he led the business development team and collaborated with local and state agencies. Before GPEC, Mr. Allen worked as an Economic Development Specialist for the City of Chandler where he focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion. He also managed the 60,000-square-foot Innovations Science and Technology Incubator in Chandler, which opened in 2011.

Mr. Allen was born and raised in Tempe, Ariz., where he earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from Arizona State University and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Denver.

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