TAMPA, FL – Principal at Shumaker Advisors Florida and long-time supporter of tourism Les Miller has been elected to the 27-member Visit Tampa Bay Board of Directors, where he will join in its mission to create vibrant economic development for the community by collaboratively increasing visitation to Tampa Bay. Giving back to his community, state, and country for more than 50 years, Les is a Tampa native committed to public service, serving as a member of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners representing the 3^rd District from November 2010 to November 2020, and as the Chairman for three terms, striving to foster a better place for all citizens to live, work, and play.

Les was one of three new members inducted into the Visit Tampa Bay Board of Directors at their 36^th Annual Meeting. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventurous travelers to unlock sun, fun, and culture in Florida’s most diverse travel destination. As a nonprofit corporation, they work with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay.

“I am very honored to have been elected to the Board. Tourism in Tampa and Hillsborough County has suffered because of the COVID pandemic. However, the Visit Tampa Bay Board and staff are working extremely hard to turn this around, and I am excited to be a part of those efforts,” said Les.

Extensive public service on the County Commission does not begin Les’ career. He acted as a member of the Florida Senate, 18^th District from 2000 to 2006, serving as Democratic Leader (Minority Leader), Democratic Leader Pro Tempore, Democratic Whip, Vice Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, and was the co-author of a $70 billion and $73 billion budgets, respectively. Prior to being elected to the Senate, Les was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1992. He served as Democratic Leader (Minority Leader) from 1998 to 2000.