Balancing Acts: Navigating Growth and Competing Priorities in Tampa Bay’s Economic Development

Insightful panel discussion on the significant growth and economic development in Tampa, where experts will explore the intricate dynamics of fostering growth amidst competing priorities. Learn directly from key leaders about the strategies, challenges and opportunities as we navigate the complex landscape of sustainable prosperity. We have a dynamic panel with business leaders from the Port of Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and Strategic Property Partners, whose organizations have collectively been major drivers of our region's impressive growth. They will share valuable insights into how communities and businesses can collaboratively drive forward towards a more prosperous future.

Charles E. Klug General Counsel Port Tampa Bay

Charles has served as the general counsel since 2004. He was a shareholder with the law firm of Gray Robinson, P.A., before his appointment as General Counsel. In 2012, Charles served as the Interim Port Director of Port Tampa Bay. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1986 and has been certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Real Estate Law since 1993 and as a specialist in City, County and Local Government Law since 1998. From 2016 through 2021, he served on the Florida Bar’s Real Estate Certification Committee.

Charles was recognized as the "Top Corporate Counsel for Government" by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2014 based on leadership, ethical standards, and exemplary professional skills. He currently serves on the boards of Bay Area Youth Services, the Urban League of Hillsborough County, and the Hillsborough Commission on Human Trafficking, where he is the chairman, as well as on many other governmental, maritime, and professional organizations and committees.

David Bevirt Executive Vice President of Corporate Leasing & Strategy Strategic Property Partners

David is the EVP and the lead for all office leasing efforts. Encompassing up to 9M square feet of office, residential, hotel, retail, educational space and public realm, Water Street Tampa is backed by Cascade Investment and is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the country.

David is a 38-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry. Prior to joining SPP in 2018, David was Senior Vice President with Brookfield Properties where he was responsible for all leasing and marketing efforts for the portfolio’s 25 core and opportunity fund assets in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, totaling 8 million square feet.

He sits on many Boards and Professional Affiliations including Board Member and Executive Committee, The Florida Aquarium; Board Member, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council; and Board Member, St. Pete Area Economic Development Corporation.

Moderator

Yvette Segura Independent Board Director & Advisor

Yvette, a seasoned executive in financial services, served as Chairman of the Board and in influential roles in economic and workforce development. She's known for her visionary leadership, collaborating with C-suite leaders to build sustainable operations aligned with values and ESG principles. As Chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, she shaped its strategic plan, earning 5-Star Chamber recognition. Yvette positioned Tampa as a business hub, advocating for diversity and inclusion.

In her career at USAA until 2021, she rose from the Fast-Track Director Development Program to Regional Vice President, overseeing various departments and leading USAA to become a top employer and investment market. She championed ESG initiatives, enhancing corporate governance and workforce diversity.

Yvette's influence extended beyond USAA, securing board seats with influential organizations. She's a prominent speaker on leadership and diversity, with honors including the Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100 executive recognition and twice recognized by Florida Trend’s 500 Most Influential Business Leaders.