J.P. DuBuque, president and chief executive officer of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corp. has been named chief operating officer of Rivero, Gordimer & Company, an accounting firm, in Tampa.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve built at the EDC,” says DuBuque. “It’s something really special.”
DuBuque was the founding president of the St. Pete Area EDC. He says the EDC has a great foundation for what’s next, including a strategic plan, yet to be released.
“Pioneering leadership requires courage conviction and commitment. J.P. brought all of those to us,” says Marcus Greene, board chair of the St. Petersburg Area EDC and market president-St. Petersburg for Truist.
Under DuBuque’s leadership, the public-private organization has helped companies relocate, expand and open in St. Petersburg, announcing more than 2,100 new jobs in the City’s targeted industries and increasing private sector revenue by 86% and public support by 50% over the past six years, with 68 current St. Pete EDC Investors, according to a statement.
“We have had incredible success highlighting St. Petersburg as a world-class business location through the EDC’s marketing and business attraction efforts,” said City of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, in a statement. “The St. Pete EDC has been a valuable partner in promoting the Sunshine City to out-of-market companies considering relocation or expansion and J.P. has been an important link between the city, the business community and prospective businesses.”
DuBuque will remain at the EDC until April 28 and will step into his new role as COO in May.
The St. Petersburg Area EDC will hold its Annual Meeting at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, on February 22.