CEO STAFF

President and Chief Executive Officer—Brent Christensen
352.334.7105 x321

As the President and CEO, Brent leads the Chamber, it’s economic development arm, the Council for Economic Outreach, and the community’s high-tech business incubator, the Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center.  He serves on the Airport Authority and the Heart of Florida boards of directors.

Vice President—Ann Collett
352.378.7300 x310

As Vice-President of CEO, Ann is responsible for overseeing all economic development activities within the organization. This includes retention, expansion and attraction efforts.  Ann was a Chamber/CEO board member before joining the CEO staff in 2005 and has several years of executive management experience.  She has served on various boards and committees in the community, including American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County and Gainesville Area Innovation Network (GAIN).

Senior Director of Economic Development—David Ramsey
352.378.7300 x324

As the Senior Director of Economic Development, David’s primary focus involves the attraction/recruitment component of CEO’s economic development charge.  David also works with CEO’s Existing Industry Representative in securing expansion/retention efforts.  David is a Leadership Gainesville 33 graduate and serves on numerous business and civic committees in Gainesville/Alachua County.  David has been with CEO since 2004 when he graduated from the University of Florida.  

Existing Industry/Investor Relations—Ed Blue
352.378.7300 x328

As the Existing Industry Representative, Ed works closely with key industry and businesses in Alachua County to develop a Business Information System designed to provide background on key opportunities and challenges for companies in Alachua County.  Ed focuses on programs, grants and incentives that will encourage firms to stay and grow in our community.  Ed cultivates Investor Relations by providing outreach to CEO Investors on a regular basis, keeping major investors informed of activities and returns on investment.  He also supports the CEO team in their efforts to locate and attract new companies to Alachua County. 

Communications and Research Manager—Mike Cushing
352.378-7300 x306

As the Communications and Research Manager, Mike coordinates the print and electronic communications of the organization.  Additionally, he serves as a resource for consultants and community members seeking statistics and demographic information relating to Alachua County.