Kenyetta Hairston‑Bridges is a nationally recognized visionary and strategic leader. With more than two decades of experience, she has driven transformative, intentional, and game‑changing economic investment in major urban downtowns. Since joining the Tampa Downtown Partnership as President & CEO in the summer of 2024, Kenyetta has set a bold strategic direction for the future of Tampa’s Downtown.

She brings deep expertise in Downtown placemaking, urban development, real estate strategy, and public‑private partnerships. Her leadership is centered on enhancing Downtown through the strategic alignment of the Partnership’s initiatives with public investment, private development, and community priorities.

Before coming to Tampa, Kenyetta played a central role in Detroit’s economic resurgence, helping advance more than $8 billion in transformational development, including major mixed‑use, healthcare, and mobility projects. Her experience managing complex, large‑scale urban initiatives now inform her work in Tampa, positioning Downtown for growth, vibrancy, and long‑term competitiveness.

Deeply engaged in the Tampa Bay community, Kenyetta serves on the boards of the Tampa Bay Chamber, Tampa Arts Alliance, Friends of the Riverwalk, Florida Downtown Inc. and the Detroit Foreign Trade Zone.  She also serves on the advisory boards of Visit Tampa Bay and the Tampa Medical and Research District.

Kenyetta has received national recognition for her leadership, including Crain’s Notable Women in Real Estate, Corp! Magazine’s Michigan Business Women in Leadership, the Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence, and the Vanguard Award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University. A native Detroiter, Kenyetta remains deeply committed to inclusive economic growth and meaningful community impact.