Jo-Lynn Brown 
Tim Marks, president and chief executive officer of Metropolitan Ministries, will step down later this year, marking the nonprofit’s first leadership transition in nearly two decades. Marks, who has led the organization since 2006, announced his decision to retire by the end of 2025. The nonprofit’s board of directors has been planning the transition since … Read more
Evara Health Foundation has named Bill Merchant as its executive director. He brings more than 10 years of fundraising experience to the organization. “I am truly honored to join the Evara Health Foundation and contribute to its transformative impact on our community,” says Merchant. Merchant adds he was drawn to Evara Health because of its … Read more
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has completed more than $65 million in renovations, including nearly 350 new slot machines, a revamped buffet and updates to 240 smoke-free hotel rooms. The Fresh Harvest Buffet has reopened, offering six live-action kitchens with themes such as American, Italian and international cuisine. The return of the buffet … Read more
The 14th annual Cars & Couture Collector’s Gala is scheduled for Feb. 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Motor Enclave. Hosted by entrepreneur Nick Friedman, this year’s gala will feature a lineup of rare and exotic vehicles, live entertainment from the Bay Kings Band, and a fashion showcase, from designers Pamela Roehm and … Read more
The Bank of Tampa has appointed Frank Territo as its chief of staff and director of investor relations. In his new role, Territo will join the bank’s executive committee and assume enterprise-wide responsibilities, according to an announcement from Corey Neil, the bank’s president and chief executive officer. “This new position reflects Frank’s exceptional contributions to … Read more
Food lovers and philanthropists should mark their calendars for a culinary competition and community impact night at the 2025 Tampa Bay Food Fight, scheduled for Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., at Amalie Arena. Now in its eighth year, the event brings together Tampa Bay’s top chefs in a culinary showdown to support Metropolitan … Read more
The University Area Community Development Corporation, in partnership with the University of South Florida and Hillsborough County, has received a $14.9 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support community revitalization projects. The funding will aid in constructing the Economic Development Center, at the University Area CDC’s Cultural Campus (rendering above). The center … Read more
The University of South Florida has received a $2.2 million donation from Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City Brewing, and his wife, Jennifer. The gift will support the university’s on-campus stadium and its brewing arts program. The donation will be evenly divided, with $1.1 million going toward the new stadium and the other half benefiting … Read more
Former Florida Senate President Tom Lee has been named chief executive officer of the newly established Pepin Family Office. In his role, Lee will oversee strategic initiatives, manage investment efforts and guide the family’s philanthropic endeavors, aimed at benefiting the Tampa Bay community, according to a statement. “The Pepin Family and I are deeply committed … Read more
Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig, a Tampa law firm, has named Tenille Turner-Trigg as its first female chief operating officer. Turner-Trigg, a Tampa native, has been with the firm for over two decades. Her first role in the firm was human resource coordinator, in 2002. In her new role, she will oversee operations across the firm’s … Read more
