News Summary
The University of South Florida’s Board of Trustees has reelected Will Weatherford as chair and Mike Griffin as vice chair during a critical meeting. Their continued leadership comes as the university prepares for a presidential search. Additionally, Dr. Sarah Combs has been appointed the new CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, marking a new chapter for the organization. Both events highlight the commitment to community service and education in Tampa.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) Board of Trustees has reelected Will Weatherford as chair and Mike Griffin as vice chair during a meeting on June 3. Both leaders will serve an additional two-year term, having held their positions since 2021. Their reelection comes at a crucial time as USF prepares for a presidential search, with Griffin appointed as chair of the Presidential Search Committee—a role he previously occupied during the last search cycle in 2021-22.
Weatherford’s background includes a notable political career. He was the 84th Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 and was recognized as the youngest presiding officer in the U.S. at that time. He served in the Florida Legislature from 2006 to 2014 and played a significant role as co-chairman of the Super Bowl LV Host Committee in Tampa Bay. In addition to his leadership at USF, Weatherford is the managing partner of Weatherford Capital, a firm he founded with his brothers.
Griffin also brings extensive experience to his position. As vice chairman and co-head of the Florida region for Savills, a global real estate service company, he has a strong background in business and community engagement. He previously chaired the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and is a board member of the Junior Achievement Florida Foundation. Griffin is an alumnus of USF, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has previously served as the student body president during his time there.
In another significant development, Dr. Sarah Combs has been unanimously appointed the new CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, effective August 11. Dr. Combs succeeds Tim Marks, the current CEO, who will retire at the end of the year but will transition to the role of chief strategy advisor. As the third CEO in the 53-year history of the organization, Combs will lead a dedicated team comprising over 400 employees and more than 20,000 volunteers.
Prior to her new role, Dr. Combs served for nearly 15 years as the CEO of the University Area Community Development Corporation, where she built a reputation for effective leadership and community engagement. In addition to her executive experience, she holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the USF Muma College of Business, where she also contributes as a courtesy assistant professor. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Metropolitan Ministries, which plays a critical role in providing support and assistance to the homeless and those in need in the community.
The reelection of Weatherford and Griffin at USF, along with Dr. Combs’ leadership appointment at Metropolitan Ministries, indicates a strong commitment to community service and education in Tampa, Florida. As both institutions navigate leadership transitions, stakeholders remain hopeful for continued progress and impactful initiatives that support the university’s vision and the mission of Metropolitan Ministries in addressing community needs.
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