Letter from the President

Dear Redevelopment Professionals,

It has been an honor to serve alongside everyone while we all strive to better the communities in which we live, work and play. As professionals in this industry, sometimes it appears we take one step forward and two steps backward, but rest assured progress is happening.  There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure (Colin Powell).   

Redevelopment is a difficult task; challenging, but extremely rewarding when the projects are complete, and the services rendered.  Sometimes we wonder why we selected this profession. Well, maybe we didn’t. Maybe it chose us. We have a responsibility to make our communities better.   

Public servants who are called to work in community redevelopment have one of the most rewarding positions in America. We are the ultimate problem solvers, peacemakers, negotiators, and optimists.  We often work out front and behind the scenes.  We are the “go-to people” in our communities.  Without any doubt, the work we do is extremely challenging, and the lives that we impact are highly respectable, but it takes true dedication from individuals like you to make a difference.        

As professional redevelopers, please don’t discount or downplay the great deal of value that you produce for your individual communities.  Residents, business owners, policy makers, and spectators all depend on us to ensure streets are cleaned, adequate housing is available, jobs are prevalent, crime is non-existence, and places for entertainment and shopping are all within a short distance.   

I hope and pray that each of you have successful redevelopment careers.  Let’s be a beacon for redevelopment and not forget the purpose of what we have been chosen to do: “remove slum and blight.” I have been honored to serve the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA).  I am very confident this organization will be in capable hands of people and individuals who care about helping others.  

Thank you for allowing me to be your 2022-2023 FRA President!  

Take care everyone.

Ken Thomas, MPA, FRA-RP
2022-2023 FRA President

Ken Thomas, MPA, FRA-RP
2022-2023 FRA President

Thank you to the following individuals and their organizations for helping make this conference possible!

Conference Chair: Brenda Thrower, City of Tampa, Ybor City CRA

Committee:

John Crescimbeni, City of Jacksonville
Brenna Durden, Lewis Longman Walker
Mayor Chris Hoffman, City of Jacksonville Beach
Heather Ireland, City of Jacksonville Beach, CRA

Renee Jadusingh, City of Delray Beach, CRA
Taylor Mobbs, City of Jacksonville Beach, CRA
Jamie Perkins, City of St. Augustine, CRA
FRA President Ken Thomas, City of Daytona Beach, CRA

The 2023 Florida Redevelopment Association Annual Conference will be held in person on October 25-27, 2023, at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa.

The conference is an opportunity for redevelopment professionals, elected officials and appointed officials who oversee administering redevelopment (economic development) programs in Florida cities and counties and community redevelopment agencies/CRAs who have separate, dedicated trust funds that can be spent on redevelopment projects to meet in person.

Attendees at the conference will have opportunities to enhance leadership skills, learn from municipal experts, share ideas with peers, discuss strategies for Florida’s future and hear about the latest in products and services for redevelopment projects. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network and share.

Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Ken Thomas, FRA-RA

Director of Redevelopment, City of Daytona Beach, CRA

PAST PRESIDENT

Jeff Burton, PhD., FRA-RA

Executive Director, City of Bradenton, CRA

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Brenda Thrower, FRA-RA

Ybor City CRA, Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Tampa

TREASURER

Renee Jadusingh, FRA-RA 

Executive Director, City of Delray Beach, CRA

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Peter Altman 

Councilman, City of New Port Richey

Daniel Henkel

Mayor, City of Niceville

Mary Estime-Irvin

Councilwoman, City of North Miami, CRA

Veronica Edwards Phillips

Mayor, City of Lauderdale Lakes

DIRECTORS

Miles Ballogg

National Brownfields Practice Leader, EnSafe, Inc.

Mark Bennett, FRA-RP

Development Services Director, City of Lake Wales

Alisa Burleson, FRA-RA

CRA Administrator, City of Fort Walton Beach

Sherri Curtis, AICP, FRA-RA

Community Redevelopment Coordinator, Tallahassee CRA

Beneshea Frazier, FRA-RA

Program Manager, Economic Development, Central Florida Regional Planning Council

Michele Hylton-Terry, FRA-RA

Executive Director, City of Fort Myers, CRA

Bob Ironsmith

CRA Director, City of Dunedin, CRA

Evan Johnson, AICP, LEED AP

Planning Division Manager, Pinellas County

John Jones, FRA-RP

Project Manager, GAI Consultants

Marc Kleisley

Vice President, Burkhardt Construction

Elizee Michel, AICP, FRA-RA 

Executive Director, Westgate Belvedere Homes CRA

Jessica Newman, FRA-RA

CRA Director/Main Street Director, Wauchula CRA/Main Street

Charles Rudd, FRA-RA

City Manager, City of Crescent City

Laura Smith, FRA-RP

Manager, Urban Analytics, GAI Consultants

GENERAL COUNSEL

Clifford B. Shepard

Shepard, Smith, Kohlmyer & Hand, P.A.

FRA STAFF

Jeff Blomeley, Executive Director
Direct: (850) 701-3614
jblomeley@flcities.com

Merrily Bennett, Association Services Coordinator
Direct: (850) 701-3677
mbennett@flcities.com

Office Receptionist – (850) 222-9684 or (800) 342-8112
301 S. Bronough Street, Suite 300 (32301)
P.O. Box 1757 (32302)
Tallahassee, FL
Website: www.redevelopment.net