TAMPA, FL (September 18, 2025) – As Tampa’s Downtown continues to evolve as one of the nation’s most vibrant urban centers, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to announce its new Board leadership for 2025-26, led by incoming Chairman Jeff Houck of the 1905 Family of Restaurants. This announcement follows a landmark year for the Partnership, which launched a bold five-year strategic plan, advanced transformative planning initiatives like the North End Vision Framework and the revitalization of Franklin Street, and welcomed record-setting crowds to Downtown’s signature events.
“Our new strategic plan is a declaration of purpose, built around service, impact, growth, and resilience,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “With the leadership of Jeff Houck and our dedicated Board of Directors, the Partnership will continue to champion a Downtown that is energetic, inclusive, and welcoming-ensuring the heart of our city remains a place where people and businesses thrive.”
About Jeff Houck
Jeff Houck is vice president of marketing for the 1905 Family of Restaurants, a fifth-generation, family-owned hospitality group in Tampa that includes Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, Casa Santo Stefano, and Cha Cha Coconuts. He previously spent 25 years in print and multimedia journalism and is the co-author of the award-winning book The Cuban Sandwich: A History In Layers. Houck is also a board member for Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk, Friends of Tampa Union Station, and the Ybor City Historical Society.
“I am honored to serve as Chairman at a time when Downtown Tampa is defining its next chapter,” said Jeff Houck, Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “The Partnership’s ability to connect people, ideas, and neighborhoods is unmatched, and I look forward to working with my fellow officers to ensure that Downtown continues to grow with character, creativity, and community at its core.”
Tampa Downtown Partnership 2025-26 Board Officers
– Chairman: Jeff Houck, 1905 Family of Restaurants
– Vice Chairman: Rob Stern, Trenam Law
– Treasurer: Braxton Williams, PNC Bank
– Secretary: Christine Turner, ChappellRoberts
– Immediate Past Chairman: Stephen Panzarino, AECOM
In addition to Houck’s leadership, the officer team brings wide-ranging expertise from across Tampa Bay’s business community. Rob Stern is a partner at Trenam Law and a recognized leader in real estate and business law. Braxton Williams serves as a relationship manager for PNC Bank, advising middle market and large corporate businesses across West and Central Florida. Christine Turner is CEO of ChappellRoberts, where she directs award-winning branding and marketing campaigns while serving on numerous community boards. Stephen Panzarino is Vice President and Regional Director of Architecture for AECOM’s East Region, with more than 40 years of experience shaping the built environment.
Elevating the Downtown Experience
As the Partnership closes its 39th year, its impact across Tampa’s Downtown has never been stronger. This year, the organization launched a five-year strategic direction that redefines its role from steward to champion. The plan identifies four priorities that will shape the future of Tampa’s Downtown:
– Sustain Special Services Excellence
– Maximize Organizational Impact
– Champion A Vibrant and Growing Downtown
– Enhance Organizational Infrastructure
The Partnership remained focused on elevating the everyday Downtown experience through its Clean & Safe program, with Ambassadors who ensure Downtown is welcoming, well-maintained, and compassionate in their outreach to unhoused residents. The second year of the DASH micro-transit service connected more than 40,000 riders across all seven neighborhoods with zero-emission vehicles and trusted Driver Ambassadors, underscoring the Partnership’s commitment to access and sustainability.
Transformative planning efforts also advanced, including the North End Vision Framework, designed to guide inclusive growth, and the revitalization of Historic Franklin Street, supported by a multimillion-dollar grant that will reimagine the corridor as a pedestrian-friendly destination.
The Partnership’s role as a cultural convener grew, with record attendance at signature events such as Winter Village, River O’ Green, Ashley’s Eggsploration, and the 15th Anniversary of Rock the Park. Public art installations and cultural programming celebrated local talent and reinforced Downtown’s identity as a hub of creativity.
Looking ahead, the Partnership is piloting a retail incubator to activate vacant storefronts and empower entrepreneurs, which strengthens economic opportunity and neighborhood identity. With the continued support of members, civic leaders, and partners, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is building a Downtown that inspires, welcomes, and thrives.
About the Tampa Downtown Partnership
Tampa Downtown Partnership is the leader in fostering a vibrant, diverse, 24-hour Downtown in which to live, work, play, and learn.
Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, membership-based not-for-profit 501(c)(6) comprised of companies, organizations, and individuals with a common goal of advancing Tampa’s Downtown. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Ambassadors and Clean Team, Tampa Downtown Partnership serves Downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning, and beautification.
