Prominent real estate developer names new vice president

TAMPA — Vaike O’Grady has joined Metro Development Group, a Tampa-based developer of residential communities throughout Florida, in the role of vice president of marketing and communications.

O’Grady, according to a press release, comes to Metro from Austin, Texas-based real estate research firm Zonda, where she served as a regional director, working with homebuilders, developers and lenders. She also has prior experience at Newland Communities, where she worked for 17 years. Her skill set, the release states, includes market analysis, community planning, marketing strategy and consumer research.

“So many people have the ability to work from anywhere, and we are finding that Metro’s suburban communities have only become more and more popular since the pandemic began,” 

O’Grady states in the release. “I am excited to help drive Metro’s continued success, while being part of the planning that’s critical for our anticipated growth.” 

Some of Metro’s local developments include Epperson in Pasco County and Southshore Bay in Hillsborough County, both of which feature Metro Lagoons. Created with technology licensed from Miami-based Crystal Lagoons, they use proprietary technology to keep their water clean and clear, and they’re surrounded by wide sandy beaches, restaurants and event spaces.