This Commission was established through the adoption of a legislative act in 1989, HB 984, Amending Chapter 67-1365, Laws of Florida providing for a change in the membership structure of the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission (PEDC) with its purpose being to actively seek new industry for the area, and expansion of existing industries. It is responsible for promoting and developing Ellyson Industrial Park, and helps promote tourism and convention activities for the Escambia County area.

The PEDC is composed of nine (9) members each of whom shall be a freeholder and a qualified elector of Escambia County. The PEDC shall consist of the following: Two (2) members shall be County Commissioners; one (1) member-at- large shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners; two (2) members shall be Pensacola City Councilmen; one (1) member-at-large shall be appointed by the City Council of Pensacola; one (1) member shall be a Century City Councilman; one (1) member shall be the President of the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce; and one (1) member, to be appointed by the President of the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, shall be the Chairman of the Committee of 100 or the Chairman of the Tourist Advisory Council.

The term of office of each of the members, except those holding specific offices, shall be for a term of two (2) years; except initial appointments of one member of the Board of County Commissioners and one member of the Pensacola City Council shall be for one (1) year.

Financial disclosure required.

Members

  • Chairman - David Peaden, Florida Power and Light, Escambia County Appointee
  • Vice Chairman - Commissioner Steven Barry (District 5), Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
  • Secretary/Treasurer - Councilwoman Allison Patton, Pensacola City Council Member Appointee
  • FloridaWest Board Appointee - Dave Hoxeng, Past Chairman, ADX Communications
  • City of Pensacola Appointee - Dr. Lusharon Wiley, Innisfree Hotels
  • Pensacola City Council Member Appointee - Councilman Charles Bare, City of Pensacola
  • Escambia County Appointee - Commissioner Jeff Bergosh (District 1), Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
  • Century Town Council Member Appointee - Alicia Johnson, Century Town Council (Seat Four)
  • FloridaWest Board Appointee - Erica Grancagnolo, City of Pensacola

Staff/Organizational Support

  • Brian Hilson, FloridaWest CEO
  • Melissa Stoker, MSM, Director of Operations, FloridaWest
  • Richard Sherrill, Attorney
  • Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, Auditor