Florida Chamber Foundation Welcomes Tony Carvajal Back as Executive Vice President to Lead Growing Team
Following the engagement of a national search firm, the Florida Chamber Foundation today announced the return of Tony Carvajal as Executive Vice President. Carvajal brings extensive experience in executive leadership, research, strategic foresight, public policy, workforce development, and education to the Foundation’s purpose of securing Florida’s future.
Carvajal will help guide the Foundation’s strategic direction, research, key initiatives, thought leadership, strengthen statewide partnerships and investor relationships, and advance the Florida 2030 Blueprint while helping shape the next generation of long-term strategies through development and execution of the Florida 2040 Blueprint.
During his previous tenure with the Foundation, Carvajal helped lead landmark initiatives, including the strategic planning and partnerships that supported and funded the launch of The Florida Scorecard and the Florida 2030 Blueprint. His work also included the Florida Prosperity Initiative, the Florida Business Alliance for Early Learning, trade and logistics reports, and the creation of the Future of Florida Forum.
A national search was conducted, and candidates were vetted from all over the nation.
“This is good news for our Foundation and great news for Florida’s future,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “Tony understands how to take a big vision and turn it into a strategy that people can actually use and participate in. He helped lay the groundwork for some of our most important research and long-term planning, and he now returns with even more experience and perspective. His leadership will help further strengthen the Florida Chamber Foundation and expand the impact of its work across Florida and beyond.”
Since his previous tenure with the Foundation, Carvajal has continued working at the intersection of research, policy, education, and workforce development. Carvajal returns to the Florida Chamber Foundation following his service as President and CEO of The Able Trust, Executive Vice President of Florida TaxWatch, and Chief of Staff at the Collins Center for Public Policy. Most recently, Carvajal served as the CEO and Executive Director of the Association of Florida Colleges, where he worked with Florida’s 28 state colleges and the Florida College System Council of Presidents to strengthen the connection between education, workforce development, and the state’s economic priorities.
“Florida’s state colleges stand at the intersection of education, workforce development, and economic opportunity,” said Fred Hawkins, President of South Florida State College and Chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents. “Tony brings a unique understanding of that connection and the role our colleges play as Florida’s workforce engine. We are excited about what we will continue to work on together in his new role.”
The Florida Chamber Foundation brings business, education, workforce and community leaders together around research and strategies designed to strengthen Florida’s competitiveness and create greater opportunity for Floridians.
Working with business and community leaders and the Foundation’s significant research team, Carvajal will help translate economic research, emerging trends, and long-term challenges into actionable strategies across the Six Pillars of Florida’s Future Economy.
“I’m excited to return to the Florida Chamber Foundation and help advance the mission of building a stronger, more competitive Florida,” said Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation. “When I first joined the Foundation, Florida was the world’s 20th-largest economy. Today, we are 14th, building toward becoming a top 10 global economy by 2030. That progress reflects the vision, commitment, and collaboration of business and community leaders across Florida. Our opportunity now is to build on that momentum, use research and data to drive meaningful results, and help ensure that Florida’s growth creates greater prosperity and opportunity for all Floridians.”
For more information on the Florida Chamber Foundation and its work to secure Florida’s future, visit flchamber.com.
What They’re Saying:
Karen Moore, Founder and CEO of Moore Agency and Chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation Board of Trustees
“Tony understands the Florida Chamber Foundation’s mission of bringing leaders together around long-term strategies that strengthen Florida’s future. His return comes at an important time as the Foundation continues advancing the Florida 2030 Blueprint, strengthening its research and partnerships, and beginning to shape the next generation of strategies for Florida.”
David Odahowski, President and CEO of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation and Florida Chamber Foundation Community Development Partner Chair
“Tony’s leadership in public policy adds a valuable dimension to the Foundation’s efforts to cultivate a skilled workforce, foster innovation, and ensure Florida remains a leader in economic growth and global competitiveness.”