Our Mission
The primary purpose to be promoted or carried out by the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation (NEFEDC) is as follows:
Advance the economic development and public welfare of a portion of northeast Florida by promoting and assisting the growth and development of businesses, including the encouragement of public and private partnerships, coordinate planning and development, leverage resources, provide and develop leadership for economic and development activities and any other community development activities deemed a priority by the Corporation. The principal objectives of the Corporation shall be to benefit the community by increasing employment opportunities and the establishment and expansion of business and industry for the citizens of Bradford and Union Counties and portions of Clay, Putnam and Alachua Counties, Florida.
MISSION STATEMENT :
The mission of the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation is to empower the Northeast Florida region through strategic economic initiatives, fostering public-private alliances, catalyzing business growth, and enhancing workforce opportunities, all aimed at securing a resilient and prosperous future for all stakeholders.
VISION STATEMENT :
Our vision is to position Northeast Florida as a cornerstone of economic innovation and sustainability, where new and existing businesses flourish, communities experience enhanced economic prosperity, and opportunities for employment and growth are plentiful, for all stakeholders.
OUR PRIMARY GOALS :
Build Robust Public-Private Partnerships
Our organization is committed to establishing, sustaining, and enhancing collaborations between public institutions and private enterprises. We believe that synergistic partnerships are pivotal in optimizing resources and expertise, thereby amplifying the impact of our developmental initiatives.
Drive Business Expansion and Innovation
We aim to be catalysts for business growth, focusing especially on innovative sectors that add substantial value to our region. By doing so, we further our mission of job creation and contribute to a vibrant local economy.
Elevate Community Economic Opportunity
At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to improve the overall economic well-being of our communities. Our aim is to lay the foundations for a resilient, flourishing region that will benefit current and future generations.
Meet The Team
NEFEDC has an exceptional group of team members. We pride ourselves on our talent and expertise.
Sandra Kahle
Chair & Chief Executive Officer
Sandra C. Kahle is a prominent figure in the commercial real estate industry
and serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Northeast Florida Economic
Development Corporation (NEFEDC).
With a career that spans engineering, law, and real estate, Sandra brings a wealth
of experience and expertise to the board.
Starting her career as an engineer and manager at BellSouth,
she later pursued an MBA from the University of North Florida and earned her
Professional Engineering license. Sandra also practiced bankruptcy law before
moving into real estate, where she became a broker and achieved her CCIM designation.
Today, as the owner/broker with Kahle Commercial Group, she specializes
in commercial property sales and leasing. Her leadership at NEFEDC is informed
by her extensive background in managing and strategizing for commercial, industrial,
and retail properties.
Sandra Kahle
Robert “Bob” W. Milner, Jr.
Vice President
Robert “Bob” W. Milner, Jr., a devoted public servant and native Floridian,
serves as the Vice-President of the Northeast Florida Economic Development
Corporation's Board of Directors.
A Bradford County local, Bob's extensive career in criminal justice
includes over 35 years of service, notably 16 years as the elected
Sheriff of Bradford County and three years as the City Manager of Starke.
His educational background is equally impressive,
with a BA in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from
the University of Central Florida and training from the FBI National Academy.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bob is deeply involved in community service,
by serving as Chairman of the Board for the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council
and contributing to various local organizations including his church and the Bradford Food Pantry.
His leadership experience and community commitment make him a key asset to the NEFEDC.
Robert “Bob” W. Milner, Jr.
Patricia Evans
Treasurer
Patricia Evans, Treasurer of the Northeast Florida
Economic Development Corporation's Board of Directors,
combines her extensive banking background with deep community involvement.
Serving as Community President for Capital City Bank in Bradford and Clay counties,
she has been instrumental in forging client relationships while developing
and executing successful growth strategies for the bank’s retail and commercial
lines of business.
Her leadership also extends to her past and current roles in the community
as Board Chair for both CareerSource N. Central FL and the Bradford County
Development Authority and as an active member of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
In these roles, she has been instrumental in coordinating economic development efforts
and supporting local businesses, showcasing her commitment to fostering community growth and prosperity.
Patricia’s strategic efforts in the financial sector are a propelling force for the Northeast Florida Economic
Development Corporation, fostering growth and empowering community initiatives.
Patricia Evans
Marty Shaw
Secretary
Marty Shaw, serving as the Secretary for the Northeast Florida Economic
Development Corporation, brings over 25 years of banking and commercial
real estate expertise to the table.
His diverse experience in development, financing, and property management
makes him indispensable to NEFEDC.
He specializes in sales and leasing while having an in-depth knowledge of development,
financing, syndication, construction and property management.
Marty's leadership and involvement in key industry associations,
along with his foundational role in economic development initiatives,
underscore his commitment to fostering economic growth within the region.
Marty was a member of National Association of Industrial and Office Parks,
International Conference of Shopping Centers, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce,
and Clay County Chamber. He has also served as Board Member and Trustee of Clay County Chamber,
Founder and Board Member of Clay County Economic Development Commission,
and Officer/Board Member of University of Alabama Alumni Association.
Marty Shaw
Avery Roberts
Board Member
Avery Roberts is the Founder and CEO of The Roberts Companies,
a conglomerate specializing in large-scale industrial,
commercial, and residential developments,
as well as managing vast tracts of agricultural and
timberland properties across North Central Florida.
With a career spanning over 40 years,
Avery has deeply influenced the region's development landscape
through his expertise in real estate entitlement and development.
He is directly involved in the daily operations and strategic
direction of several subsidiary entities that manage a diverse portfolio
of large land holdings.
Avery's comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape
and his extensive network within the agricultural and timber industries
enhance NEFEDC’s strategic initiatives.
His active involvement in local and state boards, including
the Florida Forestry Association and several educational foundations,
underscores his commitment to community development and economic growth.
Avery’s leadership continues to drive significant advancements in
regional economic strategies, making him a crucial member to the NEFEDC.
NEFEDC
Dawn Strickland
Board Member
Dawn Strickland, a dedicated member of the
Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation’s Board,
considers Bradford County home after moving here in 1994.
Through achieving her Associate’s in Court Reporting,
earning a Bachelor’s in Workforce Development and Education,
attending the University of Florida Law School,
and nearly 20 years of legal experience,
Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to her role at NEFEDC,
which will be invaluable in navigating the regulatory
and legal frameworks essential for fostering economic development
in Northeast Florida. An entrepreneur at heart,
Dawn owns several local businesses, including Home Sweet Bone,
Strickland’s Scoops, and Strick’s Properties.
Her commitment to community enhancement is evident
through her active participation on various local boards,
aiming to make Bradford County a cherished place for all.
She is also a proud mother to two children who are also business owners in the community.
NEFEDC
Dean Weaver
Board Member
Dean Weaver's strong ties to the community and his extensive
experience in real estate enrich his role on the Northeast Florida
Economic Development Corporation's Board, contributing significantly to its initiatives.
Dean is a seasoned REALTOR® and Broker Associate with CB Isaac Realty,
currently serving the Lake Area, Starke, Melrose, and Keystone Heights.
With a real estate career that began in 1980,
Dean has extensive experience managing real estate offices across Gainesville,
Keystone, Middleburg, and Starke.
He has served as Chairman of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce,
a past president of the Keystone Heights Lions Club,
and as a member of the Keystone Heights Airport Authority.
Specializing in residential real estate, his expertise,
especially in residential real estate, guides NEFEDC in integrating
affordable workforce housing into the region’s strategic plan.
Dean Weaver
Evan Douglas
Board Member
Evan Douglas, owner of Evan Douglas Construction (EDC), founded in 2015,
brings extensive experience in general contracting for both residential
and commercial construction projects.
As a lifelong resident of the region, Evan’s deep understanding of local market
dynamics and building requirements makes him a valuable resource to the Northeast Florida
Economic Development Corporation's Board.
As a general contractor, Evan plays a pivotal role in economic development
by overseeing essential construction projects across commercial and residential sectors.
These projects enhance infrastructure, attract businesses, and boost local economies
through job creation and improved community facilities.
His deep understanding and foresight of market dynamics in both commercial and
residential construction enables strategic planning and investment
in infrastructure projects that are timely and economically beneficial,
fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the overall business environment in the region.
Evan Douglas
Derick Thomas
Board Member
Derick Thomas has significantly contributed to economic
development through his role as Chief Public Relations
Officer at Clay Electric Cooperative. Since joining in 1999,
Derick has effectively managed communications,
government relations, and economic development initiatives
across 15 Northeast Florida counties.
His leadership has driven Clay Electric's efforts
in community engagement and development,
leveraging his deep understanding of public relations
to enhance economic opportunities within the region.
Derick's strategic approach has been instrumental in
fostering growth and sustainability in the cooperative's
service areas. In addition to his substantial role at
Clay Electric Cooperative, Derick Thomas worked with
the Florida Farm Bureau, leveraging his expertise in
economic development to support the agricultural
community. His work with the Farm Bureau focuses on
advocacy and policy shaping, aiming to foster sustainable
agricultural practices and enhance economic opportunities
for farmers throughout Florida.
This involvement underscores his commitment to supporting
foundational industries within the region, aligning with
broader economic growth objectives.
Derick Thomas
Anthony Graves
Director
Anthony Graves is a seasoned expert in construction
engineering and inspection, with over 18 years of
experience working with the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT). As a CEI Project Administrator,
he has overseen numerous significant infrastructure
projects, including roadways, bridges, and Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) across multiple FDOT
districts. His technical proficiency and leadership
skills have been instrumental in the successful
completion of high-profile projects, ensuring compliance
with FDOT specifications and delivering quality
construction on time and within budget.
Anthony's extensive experience and deep understanding
of the construction landscape make him a valuable
asset to the Northeast Florida Economic
Development Corporation (NEFEDC) Board of Directors.
His insights into infrastructure development and
project management are expected to significantly
contribute to the economic growth and development
initiatives of Bradford County and the surrounding region.
Anthony Graves
David Kirkland
Director
David Kirkland currently serves as the Chairman
of the Keystone Heights Airport Authority (KHAA),
a position he has held since 2014. In this role,
David is tasked with overseeing the development
and management of the Keystone Heights Airport,
a crucial 2,400-acre facility valued at $14 million.
His leadership is instrumental in driving the airport's
growth, with a particular focus on enhancing its
infrastructure to support regional economic development,
especially within the aviation sector.
David's professional background includes a 42-year
career as an engineer with Clay Electric Cooperative,
Inc., where he also served as President of the
Clay Electric Employees CU board. During his tenure,
he successfully orchestrated a merger with the Florida
Rural Electric CU, ensuring a more secure financial
future for its members. David's extensive experience
in both engineering and aviation has positioned him
as a significant contributor to local economic growth.
He remains actively involved in community service,
participating in various civic and church activities.
David Kirkland
Amber Shepherd
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE BUSINESS PARTNER
Amber Shepherd is the Strategic Alliances Business Partner
at Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation (NEFEDC).
As a local business owner and global consultant with a dynamic
career in global B2B/B2C business development, customer service,
and operations across multiple industries, she brings a
wealth of knowledge and innovative strategies to her role.
Having nearly 15 years’ experience in workforce development,
Amber's roles in Career Services showcased her extensive
expertise in aligning educational outcomes with labor market
needs. Her experience enhances her ability to support
workforce initiatives at NEFEDC, promoting regional economic
growth through skilled workforce development. As a global
executive management consultant, she drives high-impact
marketing strategies, fostering growth through data-driven
insights. Amber's ability to turn complex business
challenges into strategic opportunities significantly
enhances her role at NEFEDC, fostering economic development
and community engagement while leading efforts to connect
the corporation with key initiatives both nationally and
internationally.
Amber Shepherd