EDC Breakfast: Infrastructure: A Focus on St. Johns County’s Growth

Description

Please join us for an update on the infrastructure projects and growth management of St. Johns County.  Sara Pleasants with the Florida Department of Transportation will provide an update on the progress of the First Coast Expressway and Joy Andrews, St. Johns County Administrator, and Greg Caldwell, Public Works Director will provide an update on other major road in infrastructure projects in St. Johns County.

Sara Pleasants joined the Florida Department of Transportation as a Community Outreach Specialist in 2017. She manages public information and outreach for more than $2 billion in infrastructure projects across FDOT District Two, including the First Coast Expressway and I-95 widening and reconstruction from Atlantic Boulevard to State Road 202 (JTB).

Prior to her current role, Sara was Manager of Internal Communications at CSX, a Class 1 railroad headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. At CSX, Sara worked to engage more than 20,000 employees located across 23 states and Canada, developing communications initiatives to support department and company goals and creating compelling multimedia content for a broad range of internal channels.

Sara’s prior experience includes 10 years as Communications Manager for the City of Maryland Heights, Missouri, where she directed communications programs for an audience of 27,000 residents, 1,600 businesses, 9 million annual visitors and 200 city employees.

Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and a master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She lives in Jacksonville with her husband Trey and son Liam.

Joy Andrews joined St. Johns County in 2006. Beginning her career with the County as a Budget Analyst for the Office of Management and Budget, she also held the position of Director of Health and Human Services before accepting the role as Deputy County Administrator in 2015. On Oct. 31, 2023 the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners selected Joy Andrews as County Administrator.

Andrews graduated from Nanjing University School of Law in 2002, where she concentrated on International Commerce and Trade Law. She served at the University's Legal Aid Center before joining a private practice. In 2005, Andrews moved to the United States to attend the Kansas State University School of Public Administration, where she received a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Finance.

Andrews moved to St. Johns County in 2006, where she lives with her two boys, Gavin and Garrett.

Economic Development Council events help business and community leaders elevate their network and expand opportunities. The programs feature discussions from industry experts and political leaders on issues that impact the St. Johns County business environment, providing access to expertise for a variety of industries and needs. 

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Sustaining Sponsor one (1) Quarterly Breakfast: $2,500 or for the Series at $8,500.

• Three (3) reserved VIP seats per event
• Welcome remarks from the stage during event
• Recognition from podium during event
• The company logo prominently featured on event promotions- website, event signage, program, and visual display
• Recognition on social media

Capital Sponsor one (1) Quarterly Breakfast:  $2,000 or $5,500 for series.

• Two (2) reserved VIP seats per event
• Opportunity to place promotional materials at registration table.
• The company logo prominently featured on event promotions-- website, event signage, program, and visual display
• Recognition on social media

Growth Series Sponsor one (1) Quarterly Breakfast: $1,500 or $3,500 for the Series.

• Two (2) reserved seats
• Recognition from podium during event
• The company logo prominently featured on event promotions-- website, event signage, program, and visual display
• Recognition on social media