Bob Swindell, whose leadership has helped shape Greater Fort Lauderdale’s rise as a destination for business and talent, today announced that he will retire as President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in 2027.
During more than two decades with the Alliance, Swindell has worked alongside business leaders, local governments, academia, and community partners to bring new opportunities to Broward County and the entire South Florida region. A lifelong Broward County resident, Swindell joined the Alliance in 2003 as Senior Vice President of Business Development, and became President and CEO in 2009. During his tenure, the Alliance supported major company expansions and relocations, strengthened partnerships across the county’s 31 municipalities, and advanced efforts to grow high-skill, high-wage jobs.
Under his leadership, the Alliance assisted companies in creating and retaining more than 62,000 jobs, generating over $3.5 billion in capital investments for Broward County.
“Greater Fort Lauderdale’s success has always been a team effort, and everything we’ve accomplished has been based on partnership,” Swindell said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with people who believe deeply in this community and are willing to do the hard work of building its future. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited about what comes next for Broward County and the Alliance.”
Under Swindell’s leadership, the Alliance and its partners helped attract, retain, and support companies such as Amazon, American Express, AutoNation, Chewy, JetBlue, Kaplan, and Royal Caribbean.
“Bob has been an extraordinary champion for Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Brian Huseman, Alliance Chair and Vice President, Public Policy and Community Engagement for Amazon. “His leadership has made a lasting and strong impact for Broward County businesses and residents, and we are grateful for his more than two decades of service to the Alliance.”
“We will begin a nationwide search to find the best possible candidate to become the new President and CEO. I look forward to working with Bob and the other members of the search committee on this process,” added Huseman.
