The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vinik Family Foundation have named Irv Cohen a Lightning Community Hero, honoring his work in economic development, nonprofit leadership and community innovation across the region.
Cohen, a former Wall Street executive who held senior roles at JP Morgan, relocated one of the company’s major divisions to Tampa Bay as part of an initiative to drive opportunity and innovation. Since then, he has played a significant role in supporting underserved populations, fostering entrepreneurship and launching programs that strengthen the region’s economic infrastructure.
He is the founder or co-founder of several local organizations including the CodeBoxx Foundation, the St. Petersburg Foundation, the St. Petersburg Group and SVP Tampa Bay. Through these initiatives, Cohen has championed public-private partnerships and projects addressing housing insecurity, education and food access.
CodeBoxx Foundation, one of his most notable efforts, offers free, intensive coding education and career support to individuals from marginalized communities.
“If you live in a community and have the means or time, it is your job to invest your time and money to build a better tomorrow for those around you,” Cohen said.
The Lightning Community Hero program was established in 2011, by Jeff and Penny Vinik, to recognize individuals making a difference in the lives of others. To date, the program has awarded more than $33.92 million to over 791 nonprofits across Tampa Bay.