Directors
The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance’s Board of Directors represents a cross section of local business and former Military Leaders. Our Directors have come from the banking, investment, legal, defense, media, transportation, and medical industries. They are known in their industries as collaborative communicators and have all held positions of significance with a wide variety of community organizations. The Veterans on our Board, having served in the Air Force, Navy and Army, have over 150 years of combined service to our country. Our veterans have all served at MacDill AFB, giving them a unique and qualified perspective on issues and initiatives pertaining to MacDill.
Our Directors are:
Senior Advisors
A key strength of the TBDA is a unique group of “Advisors” – volunteering their time and sharing their experience and expertise in addressing plans, issues or initiatives presented to the Alliance. This Advisory Board purposely includes Retired General Officers and Flag Officers representing the Air Force, Army and Coast Guard. The Advisory Board members regularly attend board meetings and participate with committee activities.
COL (ret) Mario Garza
SENIOR ADVISOR
COL (ret) Rich McClain
Senior Advisor
Jim Sampey
Senior Advisor
Jeff Gereau
Senior Advisor
Gen (ret) Arthur Lichte
Senior Advisor
Brig Gen (ret) Chip Diehl
Senior Advisor
Kevin Glenn
Senior Advisor
Jim Kelly
Senior Advisor
Community Partners
We are pleased to have the support of local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Corporations. The Pinellas EDC is represented by Mike Meidel.
Civilian Ambassadors
The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance is fortunate to have a number of volunteers from our community who have volunteered countless hours over the past four years to helping the Alliance by serving on committees, assisting with the development of our strategic initiatives and executing out grant activities.
