A Latino will be in charge of helping the city of Tampa, Florida flourish economically. 

In early June 2023, Javier Marín was officially welcomed as Tampa’s new Director of Economic Opportunity.

In the role, he will be responsible for ensuring all stakeholders benefit from projects initiated by, or in partnership with the City of Tampa. He will also act as the city’s liaison to economic development, tourism, Foreign Trade Zone and Trade & Protocol.

“Tampa would not be successful without a vibrant and robust business environment and our department of Economic Opportunity plays an important part in ensuring all stakeholders, including residents, are supported,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who appointed Marín to the new role. 

Marín takes on the role after former director Rob Rosner stepped down to become vice president of planning & landscape architecture at Florida Design Consultants, after 7 ½ years. 

In an interview with The Tampa Beacon, Marín highlighted his biggest goals for his new role.

“When you look at economic development … we want to make sure that there are more jobs available for the community, that those jobs are better-paid, so they can afford to live in the city. And we want to make sure that everybody gets the opportunity they need,” he said. 

“We want to make sure that everybody gets a chance based on their abilities to make sure that they participate in that economic progress,” Marín added. 

Prior to joining the City of Tampa, Marín served as Vice President of Business Development for the Central Florida Development Council. There, he led initiatives to attract foreign direct investment, international trade, and also supported the expansion and retention of existing companies.

“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,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor in a statement. 

His previous role was as Assistant Director with the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida. He’s also previously served as Vice President at SunTrust Bank, executive director of Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs (MCOHA). In addition, Marín has served as Mayor of Dover, New Jersey, and as CEO of Dover NJ Spanish-American FCU. 

He is a native of Colombia, and was inspired by his mother’s dedication to the community with her work as a nurse. 

Seeking to follow in her footsteps, Marín initially aspired to become a doctor. However, after finding he lacked the patience for the job, he instead went into banking. 

Marín made the leap to economic development in 2013, and will use the tools he learned over the past decade to guide him as he leads economic development for the City of Tampa. 

“Tampa would not be successful without a vibrant and robust business environment and our department of Economic Opportunity plays an important part in ensuring all stakeholders, including residents, are supported,” said Mayor Castor.