BankUnited names executive vice president for business banking in Florida and Texas markets

Lynetta-Tipton-Steed

BankUnited (NYSE: BKU) has appointed Lynetta Tipton Steed as executive vice president and head of business banking for its Florida and Texas markets. Steed will oversee business banking operations in both states, focusing on strategic growth initiatives and expanding the bank’s business loan portfolio. She will also work closely with BankUnited’s commercial banking teams. She … Read more

Gasworx secures $182M loan for Ybor City redevelopment

Aerial rendering of the Gasworx development in Ybor City showing planned residential towers, retail, and office buildings, with labels marking La Unión, The Park, and future phases.

The Gasworx redevelopment, in Ybor City, has secured a $182 million construction loan from Bank OZK, advancing work on three key parcels in the 50-acre project. The financing will fund development on blocks E1, E2 and E3, which include residential, retail and office space. Prague-headquartered PPF Group has joined KETTLER and local developer Darryl Shaw … Read more

Chris Moyer begins chair term at CEO Council of Tampa Bay, announces major news for SME Solutions Group

Chris Moyer, former founder, president and chief executive officer of SME Solutions Group, has started his term as chair of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay. “I am honored to lead the CEO Council into 2025 and look forward to building upon our strong foundation to foster growth and innovation within our business community,” says … Read more

PODS names chief legal officer, senior vice president

Lori-Baggett-pods

PODS Enterprises has named Lori Baggett as senior vice president and chief legal officer. Baggett, who joined the moving and storage company in 2021 as a vice president and associate general counsel, will oversee legal strategy, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and risk management. Before joining PODS, she spent 17 years at the law firm Carlton … Read more

BayCare names chief academic officer

Shelby-Kutty-baycare

BayCare has appointed Dr. Shelby Kutty as vice president and chief academic officer, effective Jan. 6. Kutty will oversee the academic integrity and quality of educational programs under the direction of Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, BayCare’s chief physician executive. He joins the health system as it expands academic offerings and medical training programs across its 16 … Read more

HMC Hospitality Group promotes COO from within company

Steve-Clement

HMC Hospitality Group, based in Clearwater, has promoted longtime executive Steve Clement to chief operating officer, overseeing all Hooters and Hoots locations in the Tampa Bay and Chicago regions. Clement began his career with Hooters, in 1992, as a manager in training in Florida before moving to Chicago, where he helped open the Downers Grove … Read more

Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber names new CEO

Charlie-Justice

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce has named Charlie Justice its new chief executive officer, succeeding Robin Miller, who stepped down in December. “The board performed an extensive search and is proud to take this next step with Charlie Justice leading the organization,” said Scott O’Berry, the chamber’s 2025 board chair, in a statement. … Read more

German medical device company establishes U.S. headquarters in Tampa

Medability GmbH, a Germany-based medical technology company, has established its United States headquarters in downtown Tampa, leasing 1,600 square feet at 1000 N. Ashley Drive. The company plans to create 12 jobs over the next three years in technical and software engineering, business development and marketing, according to a statement. “Tampa’s life sciences ecosystem provides … Read more

Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay to honor community leaders

Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay will mark its 60th anniversary with a celebration on March 6, at the JW Marriott Water Street Tampa, recognizing individuals who helped shape the organization. The event will honor business and community leaders as Diamond Laureates, recognizing their contributions to financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship education for students in … Read more

Bank of America names Michael Esposito Tampa Bay President

Michael-Esposito-bank-america

Bank of America has named Michael Esposito as president of its Tampa Bay market, succeeding Bill Goede, who retired in December, after 35 years with the company. Esposito, who joined Bank of America in 1994, has held leadership roles in Retail Banking, Preferred Banking and Merrill. He most recently served as national performance executive for … Read more