Marc Hutchinson is Winter Garden’s new economic development director

Marc Hutchinson has been tapped to take over Tanja Gerhartz’s role as economic development director following her retirement. His first day was Aug. 8.

He is ready to continue Gerhartz’s legacy of leadership. Hutchinson already is familiar with his new role, having worked alongside Gerhartz to articulate her vision.

“I am a steward and guardian of the vision, and the goal is to complement and build on the trajectory of what’s already been forged,” he said.

Hutchinson has been employed on the city’s executive team as a senior business analyst for more than 14 years and has worked behind the scenes — helping to lead and direct the city’s Strategic Planning and Performance Management program.

As economic development director, Hutchinson will be responsible for planning, developing, directing and overseeing the economic development programs and projects within Winter Garden. Some of his duties will include managing the downtown business district and the Community Redevelopment Agency; leading new local businesses from conception to completion; and being the city’s liaison with public, private, and nonprofit groups and associations.

“This role, vision and direction had its genesis and formulation with (former City Manager) Mike Bollhoefer, who brought me in for the task to help with the framework and deployment,” Hutchinson said. “This strategic plan is citizen-centric and driven by priorities set forth by stakeholder groups within our community — residents, businesses and the commission.

“This city is special, and we want to keep it that way,” Hutchinson said. “It’s unique.”

Prior to his role at the City of Winter Garden, Hutchinson served in various financial analyst roles in the private sector at both Walt Disney Company and Agere Systems (formerly Lucent Technologies), as well as the director of Six Sigma at Starwood Hotels & Resorts (formerly Starwood Vacation Ownership). Hutchinson holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Bethune-Cookman University and a Master of Science in business administration from the University of Miami. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy.

He has lived in Central Florida for about 26 years and in Lake Nona since 2014.

“Marc has been a vital member of our executive team and has played a significant role in Winter Garden’s success over the last 14 years,” said Jon C. Williams, Winter Garden city manager. “He embodies our core values and philosophies. He is known for his critical thinking, problem-solving, and being a great collaborator. I have all the confidence in his ability to lead our economic development efforts. I can’t think of a better person to work with our business community and partners to capitalize on the incredible opportunities that are before us and ensure we achieve those goals going forward.”