Cynthia Johnson is the director of Pinellas County Economic Development and has worked in economic development for the past 20 years. For the Florida Small Business Development Office in Pinellas County, she managed small business services such as expansion and diversification opportunities, increased retention and improving capital investment. Johnson also served as director of the Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, where she restructured the Small Business Enterprise Program and helped drastically increase local vendor involvement. With a degree from Nova Southeastern University, Cynthia Johnson also achieved a diversity and inclusion certification from Cornell University.
Why Greater Tampa Bay?
I have lived in Tampa Bay all my life, 50-plus years. I am a true native of St. Petersburg. My favorite thing about living here is the people. Everyone has such a sense of belonging to the communities that make up Tampa Bay.
I also love the diversity and unique experience that each of the 24 municipalities in Pinellas County provide. For me, having the autonomy to have a different and unique experience in each community — whether it is going to the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs or driving to St. Petersburg and having lunch on the pier — is very special.
The access to superior, higher educational opportunities such as with the University of South Florida, Eckerd College and Petersburg College, as well as networking with the business professionals in various industries, has enhanced my professional career. One of the benefits of being in economic development in Tampa Bay is that there is career mobility, and there are many opportunities for career advancement.
The Tampa Bay area is a phenomenal place. It has the ideal business climate, we have several Fortune 500 business headquarters here, and there is a great entrepreneurial spirit. There are many targeted industries here, such as aviation, aerospace and manufacturing, that provide numerous opportunities to grow your network, find skilled employees and create new innovation.
To have all of these things in one concentrated area is the main attracting factor that draws so many to our area. Everyone in Tampa Bay has a voice that matters, which means the Tampa Bay community has a voice of influence, a voice of leadership and a voice of collaboration.
