Tampa's search for a Deputy Administrator of Development and Economic Opportunity has come to an end as Geri Lopez prepares to step into the role later this month. According to the official announcement on Tampa's government website, Lopez brings three decades of experience focused on public-private partnerships and the cultivation of resilient communities.
As Deputy Administrator, Lopez will be steering key areas such as Community Redevelopment and Economic Development in addition to handling Tampa's Real Estate and Convention Center matters, within her portfolio, she has a reputation for being a results-driven leader and is expected to be a valuable asset to Administrator Abbye Feeley's team; her hiring comes with considerable anticipation as she joins the City of Tampa's ongoing efforts to stimulate growth and prosperity in the region. "Geri's extensive expertise in public-private partnerships and fostering resilient communities has earned her the reputation of a results-oriented leader, making her a great fit for this unique role," Abbye Feeley stated, underscoring Lopez's anticipated contribution to the department.
Her career, outlined in the announcement from the city, shows a broad span of influential positions, notably with Ernst & Young’s Economic Development Advisory Services and also with Manatee County, Florida, where she held the position of Director of Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity. Before her new appointment, Lopez advised on a wide range of strategies for economic expansion and played a central role in analyzing and optimizing community initiatives.
Education also stands out on Lopez's resume, with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions. She comes to the job equipped with a Master's in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Yale University, and a Certificate in Community Real Estate Development from the University of South Florida, this educational foundation coupled with her professional history, positions Lopez as a knowledgeable figure in the areas of economic development and urban planning. "With thirty years of experience in creating prosperous communities, I am confident she will be a trusted advisor in DEO's key initiatives," said Abbye Feeley, whose trust in Lopez's capabilities underscores the expectations laid upon her in her new position.
Lopez is also recognized for her commitment beyond her professional duties, volunteering with Enterprising Latinas Inc. and holding membership with the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Her tenure with the City of Tampa is set to begin officially on July 21st, marking a new chapter in the city's focus on forging pathways for economic development and fostering opportunities for community advancement.
