Tallahassee (July, 2017) – Today, the Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve Peter Antonacci as the new President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. Antonacci will also serve as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce. He will begin his new role with EFI on August 2.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud that the entire EFI Board voted to select Pete Antonacci as their new President and CEO. Pete has a long record of success and has demonstrated an incredible commitment to helping make our state the best place for families and job creators. I am confident that his experience as the executive director at the South Florida Water Management District and as my office’s general counsel will make him a great leader for EFI as he fights to bring more jobs to Florida every day. I commend the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors for nominating such a great leader, and I know Pete will help utilize the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to compete for new job opportunities on behalf of Florida families.”
Antonacci will be leaving his current role of Executive Director at the South Florida Water Management District where he spent the last two years leading the District in carrying out its mission to balance and improve flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems across the region. The SFWMD is one of the largest water management systems in the world.
“I am privileged to lead Enterprise Florida forward in its mission of job creation,” said Pete Antonacci, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “As a 60-year Floridian and having served Florida for much of my professional career, I am enthusiastic to begin competing with other states and nations to ensure that when companies create jobs, they do so right here in Florida.”
In addition to serving as Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District, Antonacci previously served as General Counsel to Governor Scott from 2013 to 2015 and in 2012 served as State Attorney in Palm Beach County. He also served as a Governing Board member at the Northwest Florida Water Management District, as Statewide Prosecutor of Florida and Deputy Attorney General. Raised in Hialeah, he attended Hialeah High School and Miami Dade College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University as well as his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law.
Stan Connally, EFI Board Vice-Chair said, “We are fortunate to have Pete leading the team at EFI. His reputation and track record speak for themselves, and I look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership as he works with the team to continue bringing good, high-paying jobs to Florida.”
SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe said, “Pete Antonacci has been a tremendous leader who worked tirelessly every day to advance our restoration goals and protect all 8.1 million South Florida residents. The Governing Board would like to thank him for all that was accomplished and we look forward to what he will be able to do for Florida in his new role.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Pete Antonacci is a great leader and will bring the best of public service and private sector experience to Enterprise Florida. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with Enterprise Florida under his leadership as we promote Florida’s incredible business climate, including the new Job Growth Grant Fund, to grow jobs and opportunities for Floridians.”