FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Donald D. Stilwell, Lee County Administration
              (239) 335-2221

Regina Smith Named Executive Director-
Lee County Economic Development Office

Fort Myers, Fla. (April 10) - Lee County Administration announced today that Regina Smith, a nine-year County employee and the current Deputy Director of Economic Development, has been named as the new Executive Director for the County's Economic Development Office, effective April 25.

The Deputy Director position will not be filled, which will result in a savings to taxpayers. Smith will replace Janet Watermeier, who is leaving to head a new consulting and development firm.

As Executive Director, Smith will be responsible for carrying forward the strategic plan and mission of the Economic Development Office. This will include the continuation of diversifying Lee County's economic base by attracting new high-wage/high growth industries to the area, as well as by providing assistance to existing businesses with expansion plans. The Economic Development Office has a staff of 16 and annual operating budget of $1.5 million. In addition to serving as the Executive Director of Economic Development, Smith will serve as Executive Director of the Horizon Council, a 57-member economic development advisory board to the Lee County Commission, the Industrial Development Authority, Education Facilities Authority and the Horizon Foundation.

Smith brings to her new position a wealth of experience in a 24-year career that has spanned the spectrum of commercial real estate and economic development. She served as the Deputy Director for the Louisville/Jefferson County Office for Economic Development in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as worked in commercial real estate with CGI International and HFH Commercial Real Estate in Louisville, and Gateway Realty Sales in Fort Myers, Florida. In 1994, she joined Lee County's Economic Development Office as a Business Development Specialist and was promoted to Deputy Director in 1997.

Smith has a B.A. in Liberal Arts and an M.S. in Community Development from the University of Louisville. She serves on the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board and is the current Chair of the Florida Business Development Fund.

"Regina has run the day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Office for a number of years as Janet Watermeier focused on special projects and fostering some of the unique partnerships the EDO has been involved in," said County Manager Donald D. Stilwell. "Regina has great credibility with the Horizon Council and business community and can seamlessly transition into the director position."