Jason Baker
President & Publisher – Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Jason Baker is a 30-year veteran of the media and marketing industry and a longtime entrepreneur.
He has led sales teams, built advertising agencies, owned and operated radio properties and most recently co-launched Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, a CEO-centric print, digital and events organization where he serves as president and publisher.
He has held numerous civic and nonprofit leadership roles, including inaugural chair of the Special Olympics Hillsborough County ERDC, Navy League of the United States plank holder, member of the Tampa Bay EDC Make It Tampa Bay marketing committee and University of Tampa Board of Fellows.
He has also served on the boards of the Children’s Home Society of Tampa Bay and the Association of Mergers and Acquisition Advisors.
Baker currently serves on several boards, including the Tampa Bay EDC, the American Cancer Society Leadership Board and the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
He is also a board member of Leadership Tampa Bay, where he served as chairman in 2022 and 2023, and sits on the ReliaQuest Bowl Board of Directors.
Chuck Merlis
Managing Editor – Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Chuck Merlis is the Managing Editor of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. He is a Tampa-based reporter with experience at regional outlets including the Tampa Beacon, Business Observer and Creative Loafing. His work covers local entrepreneurs, emerging brands and community stories.
Before joining TBBW, Chuck worked with FOX 13 News as a digital content creator, where he produced multi-platform stories and managed SEO driven engagement. He also interned with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the summer of 2024, where he handled press releases, credentialing and live event communication.
Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Tampa. He served as Editor-in-Chief of The Minaret and helped grow it into one of the most widely read student newspapers in the region. He also gained public relations experience through his work with BoardroomPR.
Wes Clay
Multimedia Market Manager – Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Wes Clay is the Multimedia Market Manager for Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. He is an experienced marketing professional in both traditional and digital sales and ad operations.
Most recently, Wes led a team of digital marketers at a large nonprofit, serving as a digital marketing strategist and managing global marketing efforts.
His career in marketing and advertising began in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he sold radio and digital marketing solutions. His work in radio sales continued in the Tampa Bay Area, where he worked for Beasley Media Group, which includes six stations.
In his free time, Wes trains for triathlons and CrossFit competitions and volunteers with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital events.
Kyla Lawrence
Team Administrator – Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Kyla is an experienced executive assistant with a strong record of supporting senior executives and leadership teams in consulting, healthcare and economic development. She has held key roles at McKinsey and Company, Heidrick and Struggles, MCR Health and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. In each role, she managed complex operations, executive communication and high-level projects.
She is known for her professionalism, discretion and strategic approach. She is committed to creating systems that help leaders stay focused on growth and impact.
With experience in executive support, project coordination and organizational management, Kyla continues to grow her skills as she works toward her goal of moving into operations and project leadership.
Work With Us
For sales opportunities, contact Jason Baker.
For writing or photography opportunities, contact Chuck Merlis.
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