Annual Report
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History of the Tampa Bay Partnership

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A small group of business leaders from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties founded the Tampa Bay Partnership in 1990 to serve as a regional platform for economic development. After formally incorporating the organization in 1994, the Partnership expanded over the next two decades to include a broad base of private investors, public partners and community stakeholders from the surrounding counties of Citrus, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Polk and Sarasota, creating a much-needed foundation for regional cooperation.

In 1998, the Partnership played an integral part in working with Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties to create Tampa Bay Water. Establishing this regional water authority successfully addressed the controversial “water wars” that threatened the growth of Tampa Bay. It was our first major advocacy effort, and introduced a new, and necessary, role for our organization as a unified voice on the critical issues impacting a diverse, and often divided, community.

In 2006, the Partnership worked with state legislators to drive the formation of the Bay Area Legislative Delegation (BALD), creating a political body focused on advancing regional legislative priorities. This delegation would serve as a launch pad for legislative leadership and greatly influence regional development in the years to come.

In 2014, responding to the growing needs of the community, the leaders of the Partnership initiated a significant pivot in mission, deciding to exclusively focus on regional research and public policy to create a more powerful and effective vehicle for directly impacting the economic growth of Tampa Bay.

After a thorough and deliberate planning process that researched the best practices of CEO-led advocacy organizations nationwide, the Partnership’s Board of Directors on June 24, 2016 dissolved its governance structure and unanimously adopted a new set of articles, bylaws and guiding principles that fundamentally transformed the future course of the organization.

Past chairs of the Tampa Bay Partnership include:

  • Chad Loar (2021-2022)
  • David Pizzo (2019-2020)
  • Rhea Law (2017-2018)
  • Allen Brinkman (2015-2016)
  • Brian Lamb (2014-2015)
  • Barry Alpert (2013-2014)
  • Chuck Sykes (2012-2013)
  • Vinny Dolan (2011-2012)
  • John Schueler  (2010-2011)
  • Gary Sasso (2009-2010)
  • Stephen Mason (2008-2009)
  • Roy McCraw (2007-2008)
  • Dr. Judy Genshaft (2006-2007)
  • Dewey Mitchell (2005-2006)
  • Bill Habermeyer (2004-2005)
  • Daniel Mahurin (2003-2004)
  • Rhea Law (2002-2003)
  • Barney Barnett (2001-2002)
  • Lee Arnold (1999-2001)
  • John Brabson (1997-1999)
  • Peter Daks (1996-1997)
  • Jack Critchfield (1994-1996)
  • Jack Wilson (1993-1994)
  • Jim Apthorp (1992-1993)
  • William Meurer (1990-1992)
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The Tampa Bay Partnership is composed of a coalition that 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.

Media Contact:
Shannon Kalahar
skalahar@tampabay.org
727.741.5440

C.J. Mintrone

Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking, West Florida, PNC Bank

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C.J. Mintrone is regional president and head of Corporate Banking for PNC Bank in West Florida, responsible for overseeing all lines of business, sponsorships, philanthropic and branding efforts important to PNC’s strategy.
 
Mintrone was named regional president in July 2026 and brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including 15 years at PNC, to this role.
As executive vice president and head of Corporate Banking for West Florida, he leads a high-performing team delivering PNC’s comprehensive banking solutions to corporations with revenues exceeding $100 million. He is the national co-leader for PNC’s Corporate Sales Development (CSD) team,, where he drives sales strategy, marketing, and growth initiatives across PNC’s Corporate Banking markets nationwide.
 
Mintrone is active in the community and serves as a board member of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, vice chair of the advisory board of Make-A-Wish Tampa Bay, and a board member of Junior Achievement Tampa Bay. He is also on the finance committee of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. In addition, he serves on the executive advisory council for the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and on the Tampa Bay Partnership workforce board.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a specialty in finance (Cum Laude), from the University of Florida and is a graduate of Leadership Tampa (2013).