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Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee
The Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee (JEOC), created by resolution on March 24, 2015, consists of volunteer members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, representing a group of professionals from diverse industries. This committee requires a minimum of five (5) members and maximum of nine (9) members. View the resolution.
The purpose of the JEOC is to:
- Receive updates on the status of projects funded through the JEO Trust Fund Program
- Receive quarterly updates on JEO Trust Fund revenues and expenditures
- Hear and make recommendations on JEO Trust Fund Program marketing initiatives and campaigns
- Present an annual report to the Board of County Commissioners as to whether the JEO Trust Fund Program is progressing in the desired direction
- Vacant
- Ralph Acton
- Hope Allen
- Martin Tschiderer
- Mike Davis
- Linda Mather
- Kurt Conover
- Jay Michlin
- Les Stearns
We are looking for New Members!
Agriculture, Real Estate or Industrial/Manufacturing professional needed.
How to Apply for Appointment:
Persons interested in serving on the JEOC need to send a letter of interest and resume via email to: David Engel.
2020.11.19 JEOC Vacancy Press Release
Ralph is new to Pasco County having only lived in the area for roughly two years but share a heartfelt concern for the economic growth of this area. In additions to serving on the JEOC, Ralph has experience as President of 2 HOA boards and two high school athletic booster clubs, volunteer for many civic and church groups, and coached for several teams. Professionally, Ralph works from his home in Port Richey as an auditor of used car dealers in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area. He graduated from Ohio Northern University with a B.A. in Marketing and has completed some post-graduate coursework at Clemson University,
Hope Allen is the President/CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber and a Florida Certified Chamber Professional. She has led the Chamber through two acquisitions, their re-branding and a stringent certification process. The Tampa Bay Business Journal recognized her as one of Tampa Bay’s most 100 influential business people for 2017. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, and is active with the Florida Chamber, and American Chamber of Commerce Executives. Hope graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi with a degree in business management. Hope's entire career has focused on supporting businesses of all sizes and she is excited to join the JEOC for another avenue to continue this passion.
Martin (Marty) is a resident of Land O’ Lakes and has is working as a coordinator for Pinellas County Job Corps. Marty completed an MBA in Human Resources Management with a Bachelor in Mass Communications. With an extensive background in government, Marty served as a Mid-Pinellas County Chamber member as well as completing the Pinellas County and Largo Citizen’s Academies. Marty's understanding of government combined with his leadership and management experience will make him a great asset to the JEOC.
Michael (Mike) Davis is a third generation Floridian, moving to Pasco County in 2002. Mike has worked in the Public Safety profession for the past 16 years. Additionally, Mike serves on other community committees, looking to help advance the economic impacts within the community. Mike completed his M.B.A. from Saint Leo University, and a Bachelor’s in Public Safety Administration from St. Petersburg College. Mike has a passion for finance and a solid background in government finance.
Linda Mather has consistently supported the communities and organizations where she has resided in Bartlett (Memphis), Tennessee, LaPorte (Houston), Texas and the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. She has served in many capacities with local governments and volunteer opportunities while continuing a success career. Linda is currently a Broker/Associate/REALTOR with Coldwell Banker F.I. Grey and Son Residential, Inc. and has been active in the real estate industry since 1979 in Tennessee, Texas and now Florida. She is also currently employed and has served as an Office Manager and Tax Preparer with H&R Block since 2006.
Linda moved to Hudson, FL in August of 2018 from Houston, TX and is very excited to be a part of the growth and development of Pasco County.
- Board Member: Shelby County (Memphis), TN Housing Authority appointed by County Mayor Bill Morris
- Board Member: Design and Review Commission City of Bartlett, TN appointed by Mayor Keith McDonald
- Chairperson: Bartlett, TN Humane Shelter
- Chairperson: Bartlett, TN Historical Society
- Ambassador: Bartlett, TN Chamber of Commerce
- Citizen's Police Academy Support Member: City of LaPorte Police Department-LaPorte, TX
- Auxiliary Member: American Legion Posts in Texas and Florida
- Senior Warden: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church-New Port Richey, FL
Mr. Kurt Conover is the director of marketing and business development for Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center. Kurt has vast experience in marketing management, public relations, nonprofit organizations, and coaching. His colleagues would describe him as 'a superior volunteer' who is excited to be re-involved with the economic development efforts in Pasco County. Kurt is a resident of Land O' Lakes with a Bachelor's degree focused in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Florida.
Jay is working as a business consultant for local, small businesses assisting them to accomplish their vision through marketing, planning, management, and financial strategizing. This is semi-retirement for Jay. After completing his Master’s in Electrical Engineering, he had a long career positioned as an executive within the high tech industries in Silicon Valley, California. Alongside his lucrative career out west, he also served as a Commissioner and Homeowner's Association President. Now, Jay lives in Land O’ Lakes, where he has continued to be a mentor for students and professionals alike. In the JEOC, he will continue to assist in developing people, businesses and jobs in his hometown.
Les Stearns has lived and worked in Pasco County for over 20 years. Les, his wife and children reside in Odessa and their children have always attended Pasco County public schools. Les has volunteered at Odessa Elementary for 10 years, as well as, Charles Rushe middle school for 3 years in a variety of capacities including being active in their Student Advisory Councils (SAC).
Les has been in a high tech environment for over 35 years and the Port Richey location is a critical supplier of laser crystals and components where they produce high precision grade laser crystals for various uses around the world.
Les is passionate about continuing to see Pasco County grow with high tech companies while bringing new jobs and opportunities to Pasco County to ensure the continued success for many decades to come.