Orlando’s new EDC group selects its new chief

The Orlando Economic Development Commission and chamber chose a new leader Tuesday morning, announcing that Tim Giuliani will begin leading Central Florida’s newly created economic development/chamber group in March.

Giuliani, most recently the president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh (N.C.) Chamber of Commerce, has Florida roots. He graduated from Florida State University and the University of Florida. He previously worked as president and CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and VP of corporate outreach and engagement for the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

In Raleigh, Giuliani managed an $8 million budget and a staff of 40 with more than 2,300 chamber members.

Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber, called Giuliani a “real change agent, a champion for smart growth and innovative thinking and a rising star in the industry.”

“Tim brings tremendous leadership experience, particularly in managing a combined economic development and chamber organization, as well as a keen understanding of today’s workforce,” said Robert Utsey, who also has been chairman of the EDC.

Rick Weddle, former head of the EDC, announced his departure last March, after five years in the position. He took the same position at the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance in the Norfolk, Va., area.

The commission had done a national search for a permanent replacement. During the search, leaders of the EDC and an umbrella group for the local chamber — Central Florida Partnership — officially agreed to merge and seek a new CEO and president. The name for the new organization hasn’t been revealed yet.

The head of the partnership, Jacob Stuart, has been in charge of the Orlando chamber organization for 32 years. Utsey said Stuart has been a great asset to the community and is fully supportive of the merger and new leadership. Stuart will report to Giuliani as will Crystal Sircy, executive VP of the Orlando Economic Development Commission.

Weddle had left amid praise for helping to rebrand the Orlando area as more than a tourism destination.

The EDC’s goal is to attract business to the region, especially higher-paying jobs, by coordinating state and local government incentives and helping companies with site selection and recruitment.

The agency helped attract companies such as Deloitte and Verizon to the area, which added thousands of above-average paying jobs in the Lake Mary area.

However, a massive 10-year incentive effort to build a biotech research center in Lake Nona faltered last year, when the Sanford Burnham Prebys Research Institute announced it was pulling up stakes.

The outlook for public money being used for incentives in Florida is also in transition, coming under fire by state legislators.