The Pasco EDC Staff

Bill Cronin

President/CEO

Bill joined the Pasco EDC as President/CEO as of January 2016 after a nation-wide search. He has a long career in economic development spanning 25 years in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Bill has extensive knowledge and experience which includes ten years with Enterprise Florida, specializing in international trade and business development. Bill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs and Political Science as well as a certificate in Asian Studies from Michigan State University.

Tom Ryan, CEcD

Vice President, Business Development

Tom is responsible for leading the business development team which includes project management and recruitment of new and expanding businesses in our Target Industry sectors. He spearheads the Pasco Ready Sites Program and coordinates strategies to support economic development efforts including confidential site analysis, regulatory assistance, compiling location data and incentive programs. Tom holds a B.A. in Communication Management from the University of Dayton.

Suzanne Renczkowski

Director of Operations

Suzanne is responsible for all office operations, procedures, finances, and resources in order to facilitate organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Before joining Pasco EDC in 1994, Suzanne served as Public Affairs Coordinator at Saint Leo University. Suzanne is a graduate of Taylor Business Institute in Paramus, New Jersey.

Lauren M iceli

Director of Marketing & Communications

Lauren leads all marketing and communication efforts for the Pasco EDC which includes all marketing campaigns, branding strategies, and she serves as our media liaison. She holds a B.A. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, as well as a certificate in Meeting and Event Planning from the University of South Florida.

Daniel Mitchell, EDP

SMARTstart Program Director

Dan champions the SMARTstart program, assisting start-up businesses and managing three incubator locations across Pasco County. He works directly with entrepreneurs to help them develop their ideas into thriving realities from concept to launch. Dan holds a B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, as well as his Certified Financial Planner accreditation.

Turner Arbour

Senior Economic Development Manager

Turner leads the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program which includes WorkforceCONNECT, and the International Program. He works with existing industry businesses in Pasco County to assist with their retention and expansion needs, provide workforce resources, and promote international business opportunities to expand their reach. In 2023, Turner was named “Workforce Development Professional of the Year” by the Florida Economic Development Council. He holds a B.S. in Global Business from the University of South Florida.

Ryan Gessman

Economic Development Manager

Ryan joined the Business Development Team in 2024, bringing over 20 years of diverse expertise spanning entrepreneurship, non-profit leadership, workforce development, education, financial services, and project management. He excels in building strategic partnerships across diverse industries to drive economic growth and innovation in Pasco County. With a proven track record of fostering collaboration and community engagement, Ryan is dedicated to enhancing the region’s economic success and future development. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida.

Jackie Eden

SMARTstart Program Coordinator II

Jackie runs the West Entrepreneur Center where small business entrepreneurs can gain an edge and grow. She assists with the CO.STARTERS Program where businesses can collaborate and make meaningful connections that can improve their success. Jackie is also responsible for the Microloan Program. Jackie holds an MBA from Saint Leo University, a BS with a double major in Marketing and Management from the University of South Florida, and an AA degree from Hillsborough Community College. She is also a Certified Career Services Professional and a Certified Global Career Development Facilitator.

Ashlee Underdown

SMARTstart Program Coordinator

Ashlee runs the SMARTstart @ The Grove Entrepreneur Center and works with a variety of members who have private offices or co-working space at the facility. She assists the Program Director with member communications and program planning. Ashlee holds an Associates of Art degree from Pasco-Hernando State College and is currently continuing her education to achieve a B.A. in Business Organization Administration.

Holly Fortney

Marketing Coordinator

Holly supports all marketing and communication efforts for the Pasco EDC alongside the Director. She leads and curates all social media content, graphic design for marketing campaigns, and special event branding. She holds a B.S. in Media and Communication Studies and Psychology from Florida State University.

Sarah Alway

Economic Development Coordinator

Sarah serves as the main point of contact for the workforceCONNECT program. She works with new and existing businesses to cultivate relationships and promote business growth through programs offered by Pasco EDC. She also assists with providing data and insights for proposals and presentations. She holds a BA in Economics from West Virginia University and a MS in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Amber Lake

Special Events Coordinator

Amber works hard to organize and create meaningful events that provide value to our community. She leads the coordination of all Pasco EDC program events and all annual special events, while supporting the Stakeholder Engagement Department efforts and the Executive Success Program. Amber earned her B.A. in Sports Business Management and her M.B.A. specified in Marketing from Saint Leo University.

Kiana Acosta

SMARTstart Program Assistant

Kiana runs the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center. As a Program Assistant, Kiana supports the growth and development of new food entrepreneurs that join the SMARTstart program, and established businesses who want to utilize the tools and resources our program offers. With prior experience in restaurant management, sales, and administrative support, she brings a well-rounded skillset to the organization. By leveraging her diverse experience, she hopes to make a positive impact on the success of the entrepreneurs within the program and throughout Pasco County.

Becky Martin

Special Program Assistant

Becky provides administrative support for the Pasco EDC team at various levels. She coordinates the Pasco Microloan Program where she helps business owners complete their applications, review submissions, and prepare informational packets for the Microloan review committee. Prior to joining Pasco EDC, Becky worked for the Department of Health and The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. She is also a graduate of Leadership Hernando 2009.