TAMPA, FL (January 3, 2018) – We’re thrilled to welcome Avril W. Stinson, a seasoned investor relations manager, as our new Director of Development!

Stinson brings over five years of investor relations and engagement knowledge to the Wave and will lead the development, implementation, and supervision of fundraising, Friends of Wave (donor) relations programs, and grant development.

“Tampa Bay Wave is thrilled to welcome Avril as a critical member of our leadership team,” stated Linda Olson, President and founder of Tampa Bay Wave. “The Director of Development will spearhead our funding efforts at Wave, ensuring our nonprofit organization has the backing to achieve all of our entrepreneurial goals in the Tampa Bay region and, ultimately, fuel our startups to breakout success. Avril has just the expertise Wave needs to continue to achieve our mission and bring our vision to life.”

The addition of Stinson is yet another in a series of strategic additions to the Wave team and leadership. She will add powerful community support development in addition to strategic leadership to the organization as it continues to activate on the Start Here, Stay Here, and Grow Here objectives for attracting tech companies talent and capital to Tampa Bay. “Avril is a significant key hire for Tampa Bay Wave and will be pivotal in helping to achieve the vision set  by Linda (Olson) and the Board,” said Alfred Goldberg, Chairman of the Board at Tampa Bay Wave.

Prior to joining Wave as Director of Development, Stinson previously worked at the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation as the Investor Relations Director leading their investor engagement and programming efforts. Additionally, Stinson holds a B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master’s from Marshall University in Counseling. Stinson was also an integral member of Junior League of Tampa’s Marketing and Diversity Committees.

“I am thrilled about this opportunity to work with Tampa Bay Wave,” said Stinson. “This organization is making a positive and distinct impact on our community, and I am looking forward to maximizing Tampa Bay Wave’s funding potential for future growth, enabling the entrepreneurial ecosystem to become even stronger.”

“The addition of Avril Stinson brings us the combined value of deep community connections and extensive economic development experience”, said Alex Sink, Tampa Bay Wave Board Member. “She is both capable and ready to get to work. And, we are ready to make 2018 a remarkable year together.”

To learn more about Tampa Bay Wave and its sponsors, visit https://www.tampabaywave.org/sponsors/