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About

Solutions Are Not Found in Silos

About The Tampa Bay Partnership

Advancing a clear vision and collective actions.

The Tampa Bay Partnership is composed of a coalition of ~40 regional business and nonprofit leaders representing more than 120,000 employees. We work with government, nonprofit, and business sector partners across the region to accelerate the competitiveness and inclusive growth of our 8-county regional economy. 

The Partnership helps unite the collective voices and influence and hone in on a unified message to address regional challenges and achieve what no individual or organization can accomplish alone.

The Tampa Bay Partnership fosters regional collaboration to improve life for all Tampa Bay residents.

Our Vision

To be a region united in action, where business, government and community leaders work together to ensure equitable access to opportunity for all our residents.

The Partnership is currently engaged in a range of regional issues, including Transportation, Education, Workforce Development, and Housing Affordability.

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Our Team

The Tampa Bay Partnership is home to a lean, strong team of talented professionals, driven by a passion for our region and a commitment to action, engagement and results.

Bemetra SImmons

Bemetra Simmons

President and CEO

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Sarah Burgoyne

Senior Director of Research and Public Policy

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Courtney

Courtney McDonnell

Senior Director of Programs

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Shannon Kalahar

Senior Director of Strategic Communications

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Diane Soto

Program Coordinator

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Leadership

The work of the Partnership is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Investors.

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4890 West Kennedy Blvd., Suite 430, Tampa, FL 33609
P: 1-800-556-9316

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© 2023 Tampa Bay Partnership

Bemetra Simmons

President and CEO

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Bemetra Simmons is the president and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Partnership, a coalition of regional business leaders working together to improve the personal and economic well-being of Tampa Bay residents.

Bemetra previously served as the chief strategy and operations officer for United Way Suncoast, and she has held leadership and executive leadership roles at Mutual of Omaha Bank, Wells Fargo, and BB&T.

She is active in our community and holds leadership roles throughout the state, currently serving on several boards, including the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Jacksonville Branch, the board of trustees for St. Leo University, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and the St. Pete Free Clinic. Bemetra is a Leadership Tampa graduate and a member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class XXXVIII. She was named a finalist for the Business Woman of the Year by Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine in 2023. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Simmons is the daughter of an Air Force Chaplain and has lived in ten states and two countries. She attended Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, on a basketball scholarship and received a B.S. in business administration, and her MBA from Wake Forest University.

Along with her twin sister, Demetra, Simmons co-founded Corporate Homie, a career, lifestyle, and advice company and podcast dedicated to assisting professionals in navigating the waters of corporate America.

Sarah Burgoyne

Senior Director of Research and Public Policy

Sarah Burgoyne is the Senior Director of Research and Public Policy at the Tampa Bay Partnership, where she directs regional research initiatives and shapes public policy strategies to drive economic growth and development across the Tampa Bay area. Before joining the Partnership, she served as Lead Demographer at Nielsen, providing critical insight into population estimation and championing the use of public data in Nielsen’s media products.

Sarah earned a BS in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Illinois and an MA in Applied Demography from Bowling Green State University. She is deeply engaged in the applied demographic community, having served on numerous boards and committees for population and public data organizations. She is also the co-author of the white paper “Census Differential Privacy and Private Sector Demographic Data Products.”

A proud Apollo Beach resident, Sarah can often be found supporting local community events and festivals that bring people together. She also enjoys spending her weekends soaking up the sun at the area’s beautiful beaches. In her free time, Sarah loves relaxing at home with her shih tzu and two mini Bernedoodles.

Courtney McDonnell Senior Director, Programs

Courtney McDonnell

Senior Director of Programs

P: 813.872.2813
E: cmcdonnell@tampabay.org
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Courtney McDonnell joined the Tampa Bay Partnership in April 2018.  As the Senior Director of Programs, she handles investor relations and coordination of meetings and events for the Partnership as well as support for the Partnership’s advocacy efforts.

McDonnell brings experience in community and political outreach to the role, most recently serving as Political & Finance Director for Castor for Congress, where she worked to re-elect Congresswoman Kathy Castor in Florida’s 14th Congressional District during the 2016 election cycle.

She previously served as Legislative Correspondent and Staff Assistant in the Washington, D.C. office of Congresswoman Castor, handling a legislative portfolio including the issues of Education, Trade, and Science and Technology, as well as overseeing the office legislative correspondence program. Her previous experience includes positions with the Office of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Florida Representative Loranne Ausley.

McDonnell has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. She has lived in Tampa with her husband, Tommy, since 2015.

Shannon Kalahar Senior Director of Strategic Communications

Shannon Kalahar

Senior Director of Strategic Communications

P: 813.872.2807
E: skalahar@tampabay.org
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Shannon Kalahar is the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at the Tampa Bay Partnership, where she leads external communications, public relations, and advocacy strategies.

She plays a key role in shaping the Partnership’s research, including the annual Regional Competitiveness Report, into clear, actionable narratives that inform and engage the community.

Prior to joining the Partnership, Shannon held communications leadership roles at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems from the University of South Florida

Diane Soto

Program Coordniator

Diane Soto was born and raised in Guatemala City, where she cultivated a strong sense of discipline and determination. After earning a law degree from Universidad Rafael Landívar, she pursued her passion for equestrian sports, relocating to Germany to train, work, and compete in show jumping. Following two enriching years in Europe, Diane moved to the United States to be closer to her family.

In New York City, Diane transitioned into the events industry, working with high-end restaurants before joining Gap Inc.’s corporate team. During her eight years with the company, she managed in-house events, led field leadership conferences, and coordinated several collaborative projects. This period highlighted her adaptability and adventurous spirit, as she explored diverse career opportunities while excelling in her roles.

Over the past nine years in the United States, Diane has discovered new passions, including triathlons, marathons, and ultramarathons. She credits her father’s advice—”Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life”—as a guiding principle throughout her career.

Currently, Diane resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she is part of a vibrant and active community. She is excited to embark on her next chapter as a member of the Tampa Bay Partnership, where she will serve as the Program Coordinator.