What does this chamber of commerce do?

The organization represents business interests through policy advocacy, promotes economic development, and provides member services including networking and educational programs. Operating with $614K in annual revenue and 2 employees, it serves as the voice of business community in regional policy discussions.

Who can become a member?

Membership is open to businesses and organizations operating in or interested in the regional market. Members gain access to networking events, advocacy representation, educational programs, and resources supporting business growth while contributing to regional economic development initiatives.

How does the chamber advocate for business?

The organization monitors legislation and regulatory issues affecting business community, develops policy positions, and advocates before government entities. Staff and volunteer leaders engage with elected officials and policymakers to represent member interests and promote pro-business policies.

What economic development activities does the chamber conduct?

Economic development efforts include marketing regional business advantages, supporting business attraction and retention, promoting workforce development, and partnering with public and private stakeholders on infrastructure and quality of life improvements that strengthen economic competitiveness.

Tampa Bay Technology Forum Inc

Tampa, FL · Founded 2003

Technology industry association connecting innovators and advancing the regional tech ecosystem

Primary audience

Businesses

Work area

Economic Development

Topic

Business Advocacy

Contact

Meghan O'Keefe

Website Contact

About Organization

Tampa Bay Technology Forum brings together technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth in the Tampa Bay tech sector. Based in Tampa, FL, the organization hosts networking events, educational programs, and initiatives supporting startups, tech talent development, and the regional innovation economy. It reported $377,000 in revenue in 2021.

What They Focus On

Policy Advocacy

Represents business community in policy discussions and advocates for legislation supporting economic growth and favorable business climate.

Economic Growth

Promotes regional economic development through business attraction, workforce initiatives, and infrastructure investment advocacy.

Member Engagement

Connects business leaders through networking events, educational programs, and resources supporting member success and collaboration.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$614K

-6.3% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$515K

-14% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$933K

+12.3% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

+0% vs 2022

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2023	$613,512	$515,200	$933,398	2
2022	$654,466	$598,946	$831,135	2
2020	$423,796	$388,156	$421,325	3
2019	$487,633	$500,276	$368,712	2
2018	$501,466	$450,310	$375,805	2

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Engage Members

Recruit and serve business members through networking events, programs, and advocacy representing their interests.
02

Advocate Policy

Monitor legislative issues and advocate for policies supporting business growth and favorable economic conditions.
03

Promote Region

Market regional advantages to attract businesses, investment, and talent strengthening local economic competitiveness.
04

Measure Impact

Track economic indicators and demonstrate value of business advocacy and development initiatives to stakeholders.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Tampa Bay Technology Forum Inc

Business Advocacy

Represents member interests in policy discussions and advocates for pro-business legislation at local and state levels.

Economic Development

Promotes regional business climate, attracts investment, and supports job creation through partnerships and initiatives.

Member Services

Provides networking events, educational programs, and resources supporting member business growth and connections.

Community Leadership

Engages business leaders in civic initiatives addressing regional challenges and quality of life improvements.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Tampa Bay Technology Forum Inc.

Meghan O'Keefe

Meghan brings a business development and marketing background to Tampa Bay Tech with having worked in a variety of industries from non-profit to manufacturing and everything in between. Meghan has been living in Tampa Bay for over eleven years and has been passionate about being a community connector and bridging the region together.

Full-time

Compensation: $122,200

Virginia Lee

Int. Executive Director Thru 1/23

Full-time

Compensation: $3,000

Ashley Putnam, Director of Memberships

Ashley brings over two decades of experience in technology and nonprofit organizations supporting technology. Known for her commitment to the Tampa technology community, Ashley excels in helping organizations address their technology needs by leveraging their most valuable assets – their people.

Jamie Hess, Communications & Operations Manager

Jamie is a dedicated professional with a diverse range of experiences and a passion for communication, event, and organizational management. Before joining Tampa Bay Tech, Jamie spent six years working in higher education, specifically at the University of South Florida, as an HR Coordinator for their Information Technology department.

Kim Vogel, MA, ECM, Program Manager

Kim Vogel is a dynamic workforce development leader who excels at connecting talent with opportunity across Tampa Bay’s technology ecosystem. With key roles including VP of People and Community Development at CodeBoxx, where she pioneered technology training programs bridging critical skills gaps, and Chief Strategy Officer at Economic Impact Catalyst, where she strengthened regional talent pipelines through innovative initiatives, Kim has consistently demonstrated her ability to unite employers, educational institutions, and diverse talent pools. Her experience as Talent Acquisition Lead at The Penny Hoarder and VP of Entrepreneurial Advancement at the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce further equipped her with deep insights into both employer needs and talent development pathways.

Milestones

1990

Expanded Programs

1990

Grew membership services and advocacy capacity addressing evolving business needs and policy issues.

2003

Organization Founded

2003

Established to represent business interests and promote economic development in regional market.

2024

Current Operations

2024

Operating with $614K in revenue and 2 staff serving member businesses.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Allie Felix Director 0.30 hrs/week

Amanda Duggar Vice Chair 8.00 hrs/week

Amy Alley Director 0.30 hrs/week

Ande Johnson Past Chair 6.00 hrs/week

Arthur Clark Director 0.30 hrs/week

Ben Plegge Director 0.30 hrs/week

Brian Krostue Director 0.30 hrs/week

Chris Cate Director 0.30 hrs/week

Chris Karlo Chair 8.00 hrs/week

Dominic Patruno Director 0.30 hrs/week

Elizabeth Nelson Director 0.30 hrs/week

Francesca Gonzalez-Roel Director 0.30 hrs/week

Jason Warnke Director 0.30 hrs/week

Jeff Alagood Director 0.30 hrs/week

Joe Southron Director 0.30 hrs/week

John Gagnon Director 0.30 hrs/week

John Tarbutton Director 0.30 hrs/week

Joseph Monastiero Director 0.30 hrs/week

Kathy Bowman Director 0.30 hrs/week

Ken Pomella Director 0.30 hrs/week

Kishen Sridharan Director 0.30 hrs/week

Lauren Prager Director 0.30 hrs/week

Leslie Dentinger Director 0.30 hrs/week

Linda Olson Director 0.30 hrs/week

Lisa Crow Director 0.30 hrs/week

Maria Parker Linsky Director 0.30 hrs/week

Mathew Thomas Director 0.30 hrs/week

Matt Matter Treasurer 4.00 hrs/week

Megan Brooks Director 0.30 hrs/week

Mike Barker Director 0.30 hrs/week

Norene Kemp Director 0.30 hrs/week

Otto Sidan Director 0.30 hrs/week

Paul Sohl Director 0.30 hrs/week

Petar Besalev Director 0.30 hrs/week

Raghu Kutty Director 0.30 hrs/week

Ray Morganti Director 0.30 hrs/week

Sable Davis Director 0.30 hrs/week

Sean Canady Director 0.30 hrs/week

Staley Bryant Director 0.30 hrs/week

Tammy Hedman Director 0.30 hrs/week

Taylor Howard Director 0.30 hrs/week

Thomas Stablein Director 0.30 hrs/week

Tina Brown Director 0.30 hrs/week

Todd Daniell Secretary 4.00 hrs/week

Todd Ketterman Director 0.30 hrs/week

Tom Oneal Director 0.30 hrs/week

Tonya Elmore Director 0.30 hrs/week

Southron Law Board Member

Embarc Collective Board Member

Florida High Tech Corridor Board Member

GuidePoint Security Board Member

Penske Truck Leasing Board Member

Tampa Bay EDC Board Member

Tampa Bay Wave Board Member

Think Big for Kids Board Member

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$125K

Highest Paid

$122K

Meghan O'Keefe

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Meghan O'Keefe	Executive Director As Of 12/23	$122,200	—	$122,200	40
Virginia Lee	Int. Executive Director Thru 1/23	$3,000	—	$3,000	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Jill St Thomas	Executive Director Until 7/1/23	$85,797	$13,376	$99,173	40
Virginia Lee	Interim Executive Director Until 12/18/23	$30,350	—	$30,350	40
Meghan O'Keefe	Executive Director As Of 12/19/22	$5,492	—	$5,492	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Jill St Thomas	Co-Executive Director	$139,175	$8,695	$147,870	40
Daniel J Scott	Co-Executive Director Until May 2020	$37,366	$12,175	$49,541	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Daniel J Scott	Co-Executive Director	$116,226	$18,624	$134,850	40
Jill St Thomas	Co-Executive Director	$108,000	$6,144	$114,144	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Daniel J Scott	Co-Executive Director	$127,200	$5,997	$133,197	40
Jill St Thomas	Co-Executive Director	$101,200	$5,796	$106,996	40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Contact

Get in touch with Tampa Bay Technology Forum Inc

Phone

(813) 391-1607

Social

Visit Website

3225 S Macdill Avenue Suite 129-1 Tampa, FL 33629

Tampa Bay Technology Forum Inc

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Engage Members

Advocate Policy

Promote Region

Measure Impact

Programs and Initiatives

Business Advocacy

Economic Development

Member Services

Community Leadership

Team & Leadership

Meghan O'Keefe

Virginia Lee

Ashley Putnam, Director of Memberships

Jamie Hess, Communications & Operations Manager

Kim Vogel, MA, ECM, Program Manager

Milestones

Expanded Programs

Organization Founded

Current Operations

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

Contact

Phone

Social