Celebrating Maggie Mariucci of Florida Polytechnic, former CFDC Board Chair

When Maggie Mariucci started working at Florida Polytechnic University before it’s official opening, she knew it must connect with the community. It was important to her that Florida Poly, the state’s only all-STEM university, become part of the region’s economic landscape.

“We joined the CFDC as a university in 2013 when we were working on relationship pieces,” said Maggie Mariucci, Assistant Vice President of University Relations. “It was important for the county and the state. As a university we really needed to be statewide and even national. It was a priority for me that the university join the CFDC, so we did.” 

She became more involved, interacting with business leaders, county administrators and county commissioners, along with CFDC staff. “I enjoyed attending meetings, and that was beneficial for the university. The meetings gave us a chance to engage with the community on a level we needed to but didn’t necessarily have the time to do in the beginning.”  

Mutually Beneficial Partnership

Seeing people more frequently helped the university stay informed about trends within the region. Conversations and interactions created a sense of connection and awareness that she and the university valued.

“The university was created to be an economic driver for the state. We really see our partnership with the CFDC and economic development agencies as key to helping us provide that ROI to the state and be that economic driver. Our partnerships, specifically with the CFDC, help to drive that mission forward,” she said. 

Mariucci, along with Bart Allen and Pete Frantzis, are ending their terms on the board. Each has contributed in many ways. Sean Malott, CFDC President & CEO, said he appreciates them volunteering their time. 

“Maggie is a very strategic thinker who can formulate strong plans and think through a situation and how it impacts the various parties throughout the area,” Malott said. “If I throw an idea out to her, she’s really good at looking at the issue from all sides and thinking about all the outcomes. That’s why she’s so good at community and government relations. She can see how the network of people, organizations and entities are connected and see the possibilities.”  

Mariucci’s Leadership Involvement

Mariucci joined the CFDC board in 2018. She was involved with the organization for five years prior already. She was treasurer, secretary, vice chair, then chair. This past year she served her final term as Immediate Past Chair. 

“It was a great time in my career personally and professionally to step into more of a leadership role within the organization,” she said. “It was important for the university to have a voice on the board and be part of the decision-making process for the CFDC. To be the voice of Florida Poly during their strategic initiative discussions.” 

Long-lasting Relationships

The relationships forged through her involvement with the CFDC have benefitted her personally and professionally, she said. “I have a huge deal of respect for everyone who I’ve served with on the board. I’ve developed strong — and hopefully mutually beneficial – relationships.”  

Mariucci said the people who were on the leadership team with her – Angela Falconetti, Bart Allen, Gene Conrad and Dave Shepp – are fantastic, and they all helped to move the university’s priorities forward. She enjoyed her year as chair, including focusing on member relationships and engagement. 

“Being able to see the CFDC grow as a whole over my time there has been really great,” she said. “I wanted to help get people to meetings, to make sure they saw the value in their investment. I saw an opportunity to engage with them and help further economic development in the county and their businesses as well.” 

She’s thrilled that the CFDC has started new initiatives like the Build a Balanced Life video series about young entrepreneurs to continue to grow engagement. “I have always wanted to be a part of an organization where that’s the case. It’s great to believe in their mission and the people doing it. And, the membership is getting what they should be getting through their investment.” 

The Future of Polk County

Florida Poly was created as an economic driver. But according to Marriuci, beyond that they are also a “game-changer for our county and region.” 

“I think that we are poised to be able to do that,” she said. She cited partnerships with the CFDC, Lakeland Economic Development Council, Lakeland, Auburndale and the county to develop the Central Florida Innovation District (CFID). The district provides the county an opportunity to diversify its economy. It’s building upon the cutting-edge technology being developed and tested at Florida Poly and SunTrax, the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s 475-acre testing facility along the Polk Parkway.  

“The partnership that we formed for CFID was really huge. And being able to have that as a strategic focus for economic development going forward, with Florida Poly and SunTrax as anchors … we need to move development that we’ve been talking about there, around Florida Poly. The CFDC plays a big role through the support of the board and its membership.” 

Florida Poly’s new president, Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, estimated the university’s economic impact to be about $300M. That number is based on a 2021 economic impact study. The estimate in more recent years is probable to have grown. 

Opportunity

The opportunities for what could develop in Polk County are infinite, Mariucci said.  

“We’re really focused on, and so are other Innovation District partners, developing a research park near the university. We will focus on that a lot in the next year,” she said. They are building on what is a strong relationship with The Williams Co., which owns the land.  

“We will create an area out there for industry, research, a place to live, work and play,” Mariucci said. “It’s a major priority, and we need to attract the kind of companies we want to the area. It’s our role as an economic engine there. We produce top STEM talent,” and the county needs jobs for them.  

She thinks that growth there “will start to move forward fairly quickly in the next several years.” 

There’s opportunity for growth in partnerships and collaboration, too, she said. 

“Higher education as a whole is one of the best things that can happen to an area as far as economic development goes,” Mariucci said. “Talent cultivation, real estate growth, expanding tax base, research partnerships. We’re just scratching the surface for what we can do for the area.” 

Florida Poly sits on land that is “the last best land on Interstate 4.” She also said, “What happens to it and around us is extremely important not only for the university but for our entire region. We must make sure we’re all on the same page.” 

A Farewell

Though Mariucci’s term with the CFDC Board is ending, she will remain involved in other ways. Florida Poly is very fortunate to have an outstanding leader and person on their staff. The CFDC is extremely grateful for all she has done to advance economic development and initiative in Polk County.