TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Florida Venture Forum announced today that Robin Lester resigned after serving nine years as its Executive Director. During Ms. Lester’s tenure, the Forum’s annual flagship Florida Venture Capital Conference showcased emerging ventures, assisted entrepreneurs and enabled growth companies to raise millions of dollars of capital. The Forum also added a successful annual early stage capital program that is now in its fifth year. Richard Maclean, Board Chair, stated: “We are very appreciative of Robin’s accomplishments and dedication to the Florida Venture Forum, wish her the best and are confident she will have continued success in her future endeavors.”
The Board of Directors of the Florida Venture Forum has formed a search committee and initiated a search for Ms. Lester’s successor as Executive Director. Pat Schneider, Program Director at Florida Venture Forum, will serve as Interim Director and manage the Forum’s day-to-day operations pending the appointment of a new Executive Director. The Forum’s next major event is its Fifth Annual Early Stage Venture Capital Conference, which will be held on May 10, 2012, at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida. For additional information about the Florida Venture Forum, please visit the website at www.floridaventureforum.org.
Founded in 1984, The Florida Venture Forum, Inc. is the premier entrepreneurial networking group in Florida that provides companies with managerial assistance and identifies sources of venture capital. To date, more than $2.6 billion of venture capital has been attracted by presenting Florida-based companies since the Florida Venture Capital Conference began 21 years ago. As part of the organization’s education mission, the Florida Venture Forum provides programs throughout the state. For more information, please visit the Florida Venture Forum’s web site at www.floridaventureforum.org or e-mail pat@floridaventureforum.org.