Moffitt Cancer Center Joins Pasco EDC Board Ahead of New Expansion

July 19, 2021

PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (July 19, 2021) — The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is excited to announce a new Policy Council and Board of Directors member joining from H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Inc. (Moffitt).

Moffitt has recently announced their plans for an expansion campus in Pasco County. This 775-acre expansion will highlight research, lifestyle, treatment, and is projected to create over 14,500 jobs in Pasco County. The campus will bring a new level of excellence in the life sciences industry to the county as well as provide a place for patients to live a healthy lifestyle with the numerous amenities located throughout the campus.

The Pasco EDC Policy Council welcomes new member, Merritt Martin, Chief of Staff to the CEO, External Relations for Moffitt. The Policy Council provides strategic guidance and counsel for Pasco EDC and assists in setting economic development agenda and priorities. To become a member of the Policy Council, one must be well-informed in the mission of economic development and have a solid understanding of their company’s legislative agenda. Prior to her current role as Chief of Staff, Martin supported government relations, advocating for Moffitt with many local and state government officials.  

Dr. Patrick Hwu, Moffitt President/CEO, shares, “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Pasco Economic Development Council, our partnership is vital to Moffitt’s growth throughout the Tampa Bay Region.”

David de la Parte, Executive Vice President and in-house General Council for Moffitt, has also recently joined the Pasco EDC Board of Directors. In addition to recently being appointed as executive sponsor in the development of Moffitt’s expansion campus in Pasco, De la Parte is in charge of the legal matters of Moffitt and oversees strategic alliances, risk management, corporate compliance, diversity, strategic communications and government relations.

The Board of Directors provides companies and organizations a chance to further invest in local businesses and communities. Moffitt’s expansion in Pasco County has created an opportunity for leaders from Moffitt to take part in Pasco EDC programs to provide insight and offer opinions to other board members.

Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO, states “Moffitt Cancer Center does such important work and we are so proud to continue this mission in Pasco County. The research and lifestyle advantages of expanding Moffitt in Pasco County is far beyond an economic development impact, it’s extremely beneficial to our residents. Bringing in over 14,000 diverse jobs, Moffitt will be leading the life sciences corridor in Pasco County.”

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About Pasco Economic Development Council
The Pasco Economic Development Council is committed to developing Florida's most competitive climate for business growth by providing businesses, that seek to start, move, or grow in the North Tampa Bay area, a comprehensive suite of programs that can help them to reach their full economic potential.  Since 1987, Pasco EDC has fostered a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County.  Discover more at www.pascoedc.com.