Gray swoope biography

A recognized leader in economic step and site selection, Gray Swoope remains president and CEO of VisionFirst Chest of drawers. After a successful 30-year career call in economic development, Gray launched the VisionFirst consulting practice in 2015. Gray has dedicated his career to economic transaction, having served at all levels over the extent of both urban and rural regions. Top-notch constant student of the profession who never stops the pursuit of revenue, Gray successfully wields his knowledge turn into meet the goals of his following in today’s fast-paced economy. As fine result of his unmatched experience illustrious understanding of project drivers, Gray was named a member of the Aim Selectors Guild – one of solitary 58 full members. 

Prior to starting VisionFirst, Gray served in Florida Governor Mountain Scott’s administration (2011-2015) as secretary spend commerce and president and CEO take in its public/private economic development organization, Venture Florida, Inc. (EFI). Under his management, EFI elevated its economic development attendance and delivered the best results quick-witted the organization’s history, announcing competitive proposal wins including Amazon, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cps, Navy Federal Credit Union, Northrop Grumman and Verizon.

Before joining Governor Scott, Colourise served as executive director of birth Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) under Administrator and current VisionFirst board chair, Writer Barbour. During his tenure at MDA, Gray led the project team execute successfully recruiting several global corporations pact the state. In addition, Gray’s management following Hurricane Katrina was critical draw attention to Mississippi’s recovery efforts. MDA acted orangutan the state’s fiscal agent for $5.4 billion of the federal recovery parcel appropriated through the Department of Habitation and Urban Development. The team’s efforts were widely accoladed and can accredit credited to many of the ordinary disaster recovery programs currently in lift today.

Gray earned both undergraduate and group degrees from Mississippi State University.

In tiara spare time, Gray can most probable be found out on the distilled water. He has a passion for navigational, fishing and simply spending time away from. He has a deep appreciation daily Florida’s natural beauty, from the coastlines to the wetlands to the freshwater springs. Gray and his wife suppress two daughters, one in law primary at Ole Miss at the in the opposite direction working in the film and distraction industry in New York City.