St. Petersburg Economic Development Corp Welcomes Mike Swesey as New CEO
St. Petersburg, Florida, is welcoming a new face to lead its economic development initiatives. The St. Petersburg Economic Development Corp. has announced the appointment of Mike Swesey as its new President and CEO. Swesey, who hails from Des Moines, Iowa, brings over two decades of experience in recruiting corporations and fostering economic growth. His tenure with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, an influential business organization in Iowa, has seen significant achievements in economic development.
During his time in Iowa, Swesey played a pivotal role in attracting major corporations to the region. Notable successes include securing Wells Fargo’s decision to establish its home mortgage headquarters in Des Moines, which resulted in a substantial increase in the local workforce. In recent years, he was also instrumental in bringing Amazon’s robotic facility to the area and forging partnerships with tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Microsoft to operate data centers in the region.
Swesey’s transition to St. Petersburg marks an exciting new chapter in his career. He has been a frequent visitor to Tampa Bay over the last two decades and recognized the growth and vibrancy of the area. His decision to accept the role of CEO for St. Petersburg’s public-private economic development group was influenced by the region’s diversity and its economic landscape, which shares similarities with his previous experience.
One of the significant tasks awaiting Swesey in his new role is to promote corporate tenancy in a colossal development project – the $6.5 billion revitalization of the 86-acre Tropicana Field site in Pinellas County. This ambitious project includes plans for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, thousands of residential units, and a whopping 1.4 million square feet of office space.
Swesey is enthusiastic about the opportunity, describing it as a dream job for an economic developer. He is prepared to work closely with the Tampa Bay Rays and the lead developer, Hines, to attract a diverse range of tenants, from smaller offices to major corporate relocations. To achieve this, Swesey will emphasize regional thinking and aim to foster a unified message for the entire area.
His first 100 days on the job will be dedicated to immersing himself in St. Petersburg, understanding the local dynamics, and collaborating with key stakeholders, including government officials, investors, and community members. With his extensive background in regional economic development, Mike Swesey is poised to play a pivotal role in further enhancing St. Petersburg’s economic landscape and driving the success of the Tropicana Field redevelopment project.