Aakash Patel has been named to the executive committee of Leadership Tampa Bay, a nonpartisan organization that grows community leaders by enhancing their knowledge of regional issues and spotlighting Tampa Bay’s importance in Florida.
Patel, who has been a member of Leadership Tampa Bay’s board of directors since 2013, also will serve as the board’s secretary for 2020-21. He graduated from Leadership Tampa Bay in 2011 and previously chaired the board’s committees for recruitment and communications.
“Aakash’s knowledge of regional issues and his relationships in the public and private sectors throughout Tampa Bay have made him an invaluable member of Leadership Tampa Bay’s board,’’ said board Chair Jackie Skryd, chief of staff at St. Petersburg College. “These new responsibilities will enable the organization to benefit even more from his considerable communications skills and thoughtful insights about the region.’’
Patel said he looks forward to his new roles and remains dedicated to Leadership Tampa Bay’s mission.
“Leadership Tampa Bay serves such an important purpose in preparing our leaders of tomorrow and reminding today’s leaders of all the resources and expertise the region has to offer,’’ he said. “I’m excited about these new opportunities to help guide the organization to even greater success.’’
More than 1,400 residents and hundreds of businesses and groups have benefited from participating in Leadership Tampa Bay. The alumni include senior managers at top corporations, local government officials, entrepreneurs and community leaders dedicated to serving the Tampa Bay area. The Leadership Tampa Bay class year begins in September and runs through June. Participants tour facilities in the region and hear from government and business leaders. They also participate in opening and closing retreats, and they visit the state capitol in Tallahassee.
Patel is the founder and President of Elevate, Inc., a strategic business consulting firm providing public relations, community relations, targeted networking and social media. He serves as the board chairman of The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Patel also is involved with The University of Tampa, Centre Club Tampa Board of Governors, Gasparilla Film, Tampa Economic Development Corporation, TiE Tampa Bay, Synapse Board of Directors, and the Superbowl LV Host Committee. The 2019 Indo-US Chamber Businessman of the Year, Patel is a graduate of Florida State University and previously worked as an editorial assistant at the Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau.
