Cristina Paredes, head of the Office of Economic Vitality, is stepping down.
Ben Pingree, in an email sent to the city and county manager earlier today, informed them of Paredes’ decision:
Good Morning Vince and Reese,
This email is a brief update regarding Cristina Paredes’ resignation from her position as Director of the joint City/County Office of Economic Vitality Director, effective July 8, 2022, to pursue external professional opportunities. I know that you join me and the entire team at OEV in wishing her the very best moving forward, and in expressing deep gratitude for her substantial contributions to the ongoing economic improvement of our community during her tenure.
To insure a seamless transition, the recruitment for our next OEV Director has begun. I have attached the job description for your reference. I anticipate City HR will post this today.
Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you.
Paredes has been with OEV, a subdivision of the city-county Blueprint Agency, for more than eight years according to her LinkedIn profile. Her department is responsible for putting together business incentive packages to woo more of them to the area. The most recent “get” was a deal to bring two Amazon warehouses to the area.
"I have been fortunate to be a small part of the efforts that will provide jobs and economic security for current and future residents. The days are long, but the years are short, and the time is right to explore a new professional opportunity," she said in announcing the news on her LinkedIn profile.
"I often say, 'economic development is a team sport,' and I consider myself fortunate to have had a great team at OEV and strong leadership above me. I appreciate their hard work and dedication to building the community we have and the one we envision for the future. And I know that good work will continue!"
Meanwhile, Blueprint at large, has been under increased scrutiny after the agency chose to fund stadium renovation projects at Florida A&M and Florida State Universities, and Tallahassee Community College.
The vote to fund FSU is now playing a role in local elections for the city and county commission, whose members make up Blueprint’s board.
