Dave Shepp, The Southern Group, Wraps Up Year of Learning & Leading as CFDC Chair

Dave Shepp’s work ethic, knowledge, ability to connect with people on every level and 30 years in Polk County have made him a successful presence at The Southern Group and, for the past year, as chair of the Central Florida Development Council board. 

Shepp ends his year as Chair of the organization at the CFDC Annual Meeting on September 25th.

“Dave was the ideal board chair, providing strong leadership and steady guidance throughout his term,” said CFDC President & CEO Sean Malott. “He brought outstanding leadership and consistently went above and beyond to support our mission. We’re grateful for his dedication to the board and especially for his impactful year as chair.”

About Dave Shepp

Shepp earned a bachelor of science in political science and government from Florida State University. After graduating, he worked for a Tallahassee lobbying firm for less than a year before moving to Polk County in 1996. He then worked on the campaign of Adam Putnam, who became Florida’s agriculture commissioner and a U.S. House representative. When Putnam left for Congress, Shepp and businessman Sam Killebrew started the Florida Strategic Group. After 14 years, he joined another former lawmaker, Seth McKeel, as a lobbyist at The Southern Group in Tampa in 2015.

At The Southern Group, Shepp provides “services to businesses, economic development entities, educational institutions, local governments, national companies, and statewide trade associations. Activities include legislative and agency monitoring and advocacy, research and analysis, resource development, and strategic communications,” according to its website.

The CFDC

After six years on the board, including his time in leadership and committee chair roles, Shepp praised the CFDC for its work. 

“The CFDC exists to recruit high-skill, high-wage sustainable businesses to Polk County,” Shepp said. “To develop an economic environment conducive to attracting and retaining the best companies, the CFDC leans heavily on data. Frequent refinements to Target Industry data allows the CFDC to focus on sectors that best match our county’s strengths and help position us for success.” 

He’s proud of the organization and the work it does.  

“One thing that my time on the CFDC board has shown me is how important the organization is to the continued prosperity of Polk County,” he said. “Our county will continue to grow in population due to its size and available land. But, it takes an organization like the CFDC to make sure that future growth is well-planned and appropriate for the continued success of our community. Polk County is an incredible place to live and work and the CFDC is integral to that quality of life.”

Time on the Board

Shepp, someone who meets thousands of people a year, praised the people at the CFDC. 

“Sean is the face of the CFDC and an incredible leader. But anyone who underestimates the team of Lindsay, Alex, Michelle, Shelly, Raegan and Kate does so at their own peril,” he said. “This team lives and breathes economic development. They know how to package complex initiatives in a way that is easily understood and that the board can buy into, offer insights and ideas, and run with. They truly know how to make the board shine.” 

Strengthening the County

“A goal for the CFDC board, and the county, is to strengthen and streamline the economic development operations currently underway in Polk County. That means making sure the CFDC and EDCs are working as partners to promote Polk County to entities looking to relocate to our community.” 

Will he remain involved now that his year as chair is over? “Absolutely,” he said. “I intend to stay involved for many years to come.” 

After all, he’s learned from one of the best, Maggie Mariucci (Florida Polytechnic University). And, he can still learn more from incoming chair Emery Smith of Ben Hill Griffin.  

Mariucci, who was chair two years prior to Shepp, “does not waste a single second. Get in, get the work done and move on to the next priority. Couple that business approach with a wicked sense of humor and an omnipresent smile and you have a recipe for success. She showed me that you can accomplish major objectives while also maintaining a sense of humor and respecting others’ time.”

As Dave’s term as board chair comes to a close, we extend our deepest thanks for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and the lasting impact he’s made on our organization and the community we serve. His guidance has helped position us for continued success, and while his time as chair has ended, his legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to his continued involvement in our mission.