February 2025: Cathy Chambers
Cathy, can you describe your responsibilities at FPL and how your role contributes to the overall growth of the company?
I’m fortunate to lead one of the best economic development teams in the country. From traditional economic development to helping small businesses grow through our 35 Mules Innovation Hub and building Florida’s workforce through our “WonderFL” talent attraction campaign, we work to strengthen the state’s economy every day. Our team enhances and supports economic development efforts throughout FPL’s service area by providing information on available sites, business climate, workforce, energy savings programs and more. And we work with companies, brokers, consultants and economic development partners to help recruit more jobs and investment to Florida. Ultimately, our efforts help build the communities we live in by creating new employment opportunities, capital investments and increased tax revenue for those regions, while also expanding FPL’s customer base.
Many companies emphasize the importance of “stakeholder engagement” for their growth and economic success. What does stakeholder engagement mean in your role in economic development?
It really starts before there’s even a project. We maintain close connections with our local economic development partners to stay informed about their community developments and ensure we are coordinated in our efforts to attract companies to their regions. Similarly, we build relationships with brokers and consultants who assist those companies in finding new locations, giving us insight into upcoming projects and allowing us to highlight growth opportunities in our territory. When there’s interest in a location within our service area, we collaborate with all stakeholders to make that location as attractive as possible, with the goal of bringing the project to Florida.
As new companies consider relocating to Florida, how does your industry play a role in their decision-making process?
The economic development industry plays a key role in that process. We provide information about Florida’s demographics, sites and buildings, tax benefits, infrastructure and more. Specifically on the energy side, we talk with companies about their needs and how FPL’s long history of providing reliable, affordable and clean energy solutions has helped the state’s businesses grow for a century. Energy has become one of the top – if not the number one – factors for companies when researching new locations. Talking with companies and consultants about what FPL is doing to strengthen its grid and provide the infrastructure they need is a strength for the state and our economic development partners.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the energy industry, and specifically to join FPL?
Most of my career was spent doing regional economic development where I was the beneficiary of FPL’s investments in statewide economic development and support for its partners. I admired Pam Rauch and Crystal Stiles for their leadership and was looking for a new challenge when the opportunity to join the FPL team presented itself. Energy has become a critical issue for site selection and I’m enjoying the challenge of working with our leadership team to ensure we are able to meet future electric demand for the benefit of all FPL customers. I learn something new every day and feel that our work has real impact in our communities and remind myself daily never to take either of those things for granted. FPL has invested a lot in my professional development, and I’m inspired by my talented colleagues who are passionate about innovating our industry.
Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum aims to inspire the next generation of workforce talent by promoting opportunities in the energy sector. What degrees or skill sets do you find most relevant when interviewing candidates for your work?
If you’re interested in the economic development industry, having a degree in fields like public administration, business administration or economics can be very useful. Skills-wise, strong communication, critical thinking and project management are key. The best economic developers are naturally curious. Relationship building is critical to what we do, so having experience working with people from varied backgrounds and with different personality types will give you a great foundation. Each day we might talk with corporate executives, government officials, community leaders, engineers and other professions, so listening to their needs and knowing what it takes to meet them will help you create a successful career in this industry.