Meet Our Leaders

Directors

The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance’s Board of Directors represents a cross section of local business and former Military Leaders. Our Directors come from the banking, investment, legal, defense, media, transporation and medical industries. They are known in their industries as collaborative communicators and have all held positions of significance with a wide variety of community organizations.The Veterans on our Board, having served in the Air Force, Navy and Army, have over 100 years of combined service to our country. Our two Air Force Veterans and our Army Veteran have all served at MacDill AFB, giving them a unique and qualified perspective on issues and initiatives pertaining to MacDill.

Our Directors are:

MIkeJones-MG-USA-Ret

MG (ret) Mike Jones
Vice President

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Capt (ret) Jim Philpitt
Secretary

Maxine-Reyes

Maxine Reyes
Board Member

Raj S. Ambay, MD, DDS
Board Member

Senior Advisors

A key strength of the TBDA is a unique group of “Advisors” – volunteering their time and sharing their experience and expertise in addressing plans, issues or initiatives presented to the Alliance. This Advisory Board purposely includes Retired General Officers and Flag Officers representing the Air Force, Army and Coast Guard.  The Advisory Board members regularly attend board meetings and participate with committee activities.
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COL (ret) Mario Garza
SENIOR ADVISOR

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COL (ret) Rich McClain
Senior Advisor

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Jim Sampey
Senior Advisor

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Jeff Gereau
Senior Advisor

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Gen (ret) Arthur Lichte
Senior Advisor

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Brig Gen (ret) Chip Diehl
Senior Advisor

KEVIN-GLENN

Kevin Glenn
Senior Advisor

Jim-Kelly

Jim Kelly
Senior Advisor

Community Partners

We are pleased to have the support of local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Corporations. The Pinellas EDC is represented by Mike Meidel.
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Mike Meidel
Pinellas EDC

Civilian Ambassadors

The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance is fortunate to have a number of volunteers from our community who have volunteered countless hours over the past four years to helping the Alliance by serving on committees, assisting with the development of our strategic initiatives and executing out grant activities.

Founders Board