Cristina Paredes, Office of Economic Vitality director, submits resignation

Christopher Cann, Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read

Cristina Paredes, the director of the Office of Economic Vitality, has resigned from her position.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Tallahassee community," Paredes told the Democrat Friday. "While I plan to announce the next part of my professional journey in the coming weeks, today I’m excited about what the future holds and thankful for the great team at OEV and the strong leadership above me.”

Paredes' resignation — effective July 8 — came from her desire "to pursue external professional opportunities," according to an email from her boss Ben Pingree, the director of Tallahassee/Leon County Planning, Land Management & Community Enhancement.

"...join me and the entire team at OEV in wishing her the very best moving forward, and in expressing deep gratitude for her substantial contributions to the ongoing economic improvement of our community during her tenure," the email read.

Paredes' position placed her at the top of the local organization that operates as the economic hub for Tallahassee. The goal of the OEV, according to its website, is "to develop programs and initiatives while simultaneously leveraging ideas, innovations, and intellectual capital through the continuous coordination of the community’s economic development partners."

The OEV was created in 2016 and acts as the economic development arm of the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, which is overseen by all 12 city and county commissioners.

In late-February, the IA voted 7-5 in favor of a $20 million appropriation for the Florida State University's Doak Campbell Stadium, a decision that's likely to play a pivotal role in the outcome of the 2022 local elections. Amid worries that the stadium funding would leave the OEV budget dry, Pingree said the agency would be "open for business" if economic opportunities arose.

Blueprint's upcoming July 14 meeting was canceled, according to an email from Ben Pingree. IA Chairman Nick Maddox told the Democrat it was canceled before he heard about Paredes' resignation because of a "light agenda." Since 2016, the IA has held less than 10 meetings a year.

More: Blueprint: Funding Doak stadium repairs could leave OEV budget dry, but also boost the economy

Paredes oversaw OEV during arguably its largest victory: Amazon, which will become the largest private sector job creator in Tallahassee's history.

Last August, her office revealed that Amazon would construct a massive 635,000-square-foot robotics fulfillment center off Mahan Drive near Interstate 10 that's estimated to cost $200 million.

The fulfillment center, which will be the company's 14th, will bring an estimated 1,000 jobs once complete.

Amazon Primed:

A new Amazon warehouse under construction, as seen from the side of Interstate 10 on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
A new Amazon warehouse under construction, as seen from the side of Interstate 10 on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

"It's just been a wonderful six years, especially the last three and a half as OEV director," Paredes said. "I'm greatly appreciative about the work we've been able to do to support our small businesses, recruit Amazon and assist Danfoss to double their workforce."

Contact Christopher Cann at ccann@tallahassee.com and follow @ChrisCannFL on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality director resigns