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


FloridaWest Staff

Chris Platé

Chief Executive Officer
850.898.2201

Danita Andrews

Senior Director, Business Retention & Expansion
850.503.0907

Ashley Saba

Director, Business Development

850.898.2201

Tabitha Lee

Economic Development Specialist
850.898.2201

Patrick Rooney

Director, Entrepreneurial Development
850.497.3794

Annie Rose

CO:LAB Operations Manager
850.696.1314


Board of Directors

President
Ryan Tilley
Escambia County Representative, IHMC

Vice President
Dr. Charletha Powell
Escambia County Representative, Educator & Entrepreneur

Secretary
Olevia McNally
Escambia County Appointee, Envision Physician Services

Treasurer
Charles Sherrill III
SouthState

Past President
David Bear
The Lewis Bear Company

City of Pensacola Appointee
Matt Davis
Hancock Whitney

City of Pensacola Appointee
Donnie McMahon
McMahon & Hadder

Members

Rick Byars, FPL

Don Palmer, ECUA

Jim Waite, Baskerville Donovan

Investor Directors

K.C. Gartman, Baptist Health Care

Justin Beck, Stirling Properties

Kelvin Enfinger, Greenhut Construction 

Mike Morette, Morette Company

Chris Plaeger, Bear General Contractors

Bruce Vredenburg, Hancock Whitney

Investors

Charles F. Beall, Jr., Moore, Hill & Westmoreland

Will Condon, Ascension Sacred Heart

Eddie Norris, Synovus

Kendrick Doidge, HCA Florida West

David Deliman, Cox Communications

Dave Taylor, Pegasus Labs

Dr. Ed Meadows, Pensacola State College

Dr. Marcus McBride, Careersource Escarosa

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.