Tampa names new economic opportunity director

Javier Marin, the former vice president of business development for the Central Florida Development Council, has been named the new director of economic opportunity for the city of Tampa.

Marin will be responsible for “ensuring all stakeholders benefit from projects initiated by, or in partnership with the city of Tampa,” according to a statement announcing his hiring.

The office is part of the city’s Development and Economic Opportunity department and its duties include small business navigation and small business resources as well as acting as the city's liaison to economic development, tourism, foreign trade zone and trade and protocol.

In his previous role, Marin led initiatives to attract foreign investment and international trade along with providing support for the expansion and retention of existing companies, according to the statement. Before that, he was assistant director with the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida.

The Colombia native is fluent in Spanish and Swedish.

“Javier's extensive experience in business growth, trade, finance and non-profits make him a great fit for this unique role which works closely with so many of our city departments and our valuable external partners,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says in the statement.