President
Plant City Economic Development Corporation
Jake grew up in Lakeland, FL, and graduated from Lakeland High School in 2004. After six years serving in the United States Air Force, Jake attended Western Kentucky University where he earned his bachelor of science degree in entrepreneurship. He is currently attending Florida State University pursuing his MBA. Jake started his civilian career with the State of Kentucky and later with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. Missing the Florida lifestyle, Jake returned home in 2012 to continue his career in economic development. He joined the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation as Director of Business Retention and Expansion. His department oversaw corporate expansions throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County, FL. Since launching the Plant City EDC in 2015, Jake has helped announce over 50 economic development projects which generated 2,000 new jobs, $450 million in capital investment, and 8 million sq. ft. of new industrial real estate. In his spare time, Jake enjoys being on the water with friends and family.