Leadership

As Florida’s Secretary of Commerce and the President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), Jamal Allen Sowell leads EFI, the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. He assumed his role at the outset of Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration. With his team, Sowell works closely with economic development partners and private sector businesses across the state to strengthen and diversify Florida’s economy. Sowell sets the course for an organization that spans the entire state and commands a strong international presence, as EFI strategically negotiates Florida’s partnerships in international commerce.

Robert is the Chief Operating Officer for Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) and is responsible for the protection of company assets and operational and financial management of the organization. Robert looks for methods to improve internal processes and the flow of information at EFI and its subsidiaries. Robert has recruited and put together strong, talented units in the areas of Marketing, Accounting, Capital Programs, IT, Contracts Management, Human Resources and Board Development at EFI.

As Chief of Staff, Marc Adler, helps to lead Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. Adler brings a unique combination of skills to his role at EFI, combining experience with entrepreneurial leadership, legal counsel and business development.

As President of the Florida Sports Foundation, Angela Adams Suggs brings a wealth of experience and leadership energy to the organization as it continues working to support Florida’s $57 billion sports industry. Suggs leads the organization’s efforts to assist communities with securing, hosting and retaining sporting events and sports related business through the Foundation’s grant programs; provide participation opportunities in the Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games; serve as Florida’s leading resource for sport tourism research and facts; assist in the promotion of targeted leisure sports industries in Florida; and assist national and state governing bodies to promote amateur sport development.

Tim Vanderhoof is the Senior Vice President of Business Development, leading a team conducting economic development project management, determining and analyzing location criteria, talent pipelines, and incentive negotiation for business prospects. He plays a vital role in identifying and soliciting the interest of businesses best suited to locate or expand a facility in Florida and supports the mission to diversify Florida’s economy by creating jobs and capital investment in Florida through business expansion and recruitments.

Manuel (Manny) A. Mencia is the senior vice president of the International Trade & Business Development division of Enterprise Florida, Inc., (EFI). The division is headquartered in Miami and maintains offices in six Florida cities as well as several countries around the world. Manny joined Enterprise Florida in 1996. Prior to that, he served as vice president of World Marketing at The Beacon Council between 1992 and 1996. He has acquired extensive international trade expertise, having served in various executive positions at the Florida Department of Commerce between 1977 and 1991.