GOVERNOR CRIST APPOINTS CHRIS HART IV TO JOINT LEADERSHIP ROLE WITH OFFICE OF TOURISM, TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE FLORIDA INC.
December 21, 2009
Contact:
GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – In a move that more closely aligns the state’s workforce and economic development organizations, Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Chris Hart IV as interim director of the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED). He will continue in his current role as president and CEO of Workforce Florida Inc. Dr. Dale Brill, director of OTTED, announced his resignation, effective January 1, 2010.
“I thank Dr. Brill for his dedicated service and skilled advocacy for diversifying Florida’s economy,” said Governor Crist. “Now is the time to better align the state’s workforce and economic development efforts. Chris Hart has the necessary experience and expertise to bring the two efforts together."
“I’m enthusiastic about the synergies this joint appointment will create,” said Hart. “I pledge my best effort to serve the people of Florida tirelessly in an effort to prepare for Florida’s new economy, where talent and economic development go hand in hand.”
Hart joined Workforce Florida in November 2007. From 2004 to 2007, he served as senior vice president of external affairs and investor relations for Enterprise Florida Inc., the public/private partnership designated as the state’s official agency for economic development. From 1998 to 2002, Hart served in the Florida House of Representatives, where he represented South Tampa and Town & Country in Hillsborough County. While serving in the Legislature, he co-founded Classified Technologies Group, a Web-based classified advertising-sales software and service. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Florida.
“I am grateful to the Governor for the call to public service,” Brill said. “I look forward to strengthening my relationships with the business community and legislative stakeholders to continue the momentum behind Florida’s transitioning economy.”
Brill is leaving to serve the Florida Chamber Foundation as its president, effective January 4, 2010.
About the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development
The Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) formulates policies and strategies designed to promote economic growth and diversify the state’s economic base. OTTED provides executive direction, develops policies and advocates for economic diversification and improvements in Florida’s business climate and infrastructure.
About Workforce Florida Inc.
Workforce Florida Inc. (WFI), created by the Florida Legislature in 2000 through the Workforce Innovation Act, is the state’s chief workforce policy organization and principal architect in the efforts to meet the state’s current and future workforce needs and challenges. WFI is a state partner, along with the Agency for Workforce Innovation, in the Employ Florida affiliate network of 24 business-led regional workforce boards and nearly 100 one-stop centers that provide employment solutions throughout Florida.