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
Melissa Stoker
Director of Operations
850.860.4177
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
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.
