About FloridaWest

Maximizing Economic Potential

Located in the city of Pensacola and Escambia County, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is the community’s economic development organization with the mission of building, growing and sustaining economic potential and prosperity for all.

We are maximizing Northwest Florida’s economic potential through

» Leveraging our military strength in aviation and cybersecurity
» Creative solutions aimed at attracting and recruiting new businesses and industry
» Partnering with existing businesses to drive expansion
» Investing in technology and talent development to spur innovation and better jobs
» Nurturing the global contributions of local entrepreneurs
» Developing community assets to position our area as a rich and fertile location for individual, community and corporate growth that is sustainable

Learn more about Economic Development and it improves our economic well-being and quality of life


Our Dedicated Staff

Brian Hilson

Chief Executive Officer
850.898.2201

Danita Andrews

Chief Business Development Officer
850.503.0907

Casey Campbell

CO:LAB Office Manager
850.503.0269

Patrick Rooney

Director of Entrepreneurial Development
850.497.3794


Our Board of Directors

President

David Bear

Lewis Bear Company

Vice President

Ryan Tilley

Escambia County Representative, IHMC

Secretary

Charletha Powell

Escambia County Representative, Educator & Entrepreneur

Treasurer

Olevia McNally

Escambia County Appointee

Past President

Rick Byars

Florida Power and light

Member

Don Palmer

ECUA

City of Pensacola Appointee

Donnie McMahon

McMahon & Hadder

Member

Jim Waite

Baskerville-Donovan

City of Pensacola Appointee

Matt Davis

Hancock Whitney

Investor Level:

Kelvin Enfinger

Greenhut Construction
Investor

K.C. Gartman

Baptist Health Care
Investor

Marcus McBride

CareerSource EscaRosa
Investor

Chris Plaeger

Bear General Contractors
Investor

Rick Johnson

Trustmark Bank
Investor

Ed Meadows

Pensacola State College
Investor

Doug Bert

FBBInsurance
Investor

FloridaWest  Board Materials 


An Alliance of Success

Through active partnership, collaboration and cooperation, we are helping to bridge connections, explore new possibilities and expand horizons. We are an alliance of more than a hundred public and private entities, and we understand that in business, you’re only as strong as the company you keep. Here are a few of ours.