Mission
Innovation Roots
The Beginning (2008)
In 2008, regional economic development councils, Florida Gulf Coast University, and business leaders launched the Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership (RTP) — today known simply as SWFL Tech.
The founding members included FGCU, county economic development offices from Lee, Collier, and Charlotte, along with pioneering companies such as WCI Group, Wilson Miller, Surround Technologies, and Training Options.
Guided by its first Board of Directors — a diverse group of business and community leaders including Kevin Barnhill, Lee Paul, Kristi Bartlett, Diana Walker, Randy Mitchelson, and others — RTP set out to connect technology companies, educators, and regional leaders to grow the local economy through innovation.
Many of these organizations and individuals remain engaged today, a testament to their lasting vision and advocacy.
Early Growth (2008–2019)
- Hosting an Annual Tech Summit with Tech Awards
- Partnering on education and workforce initiatives
- Supporting students through scholarships and community programs
- Co-creating research projects with regional institutions
Resilience (2020–2024)
A Fresh Chapter (2025 and Beyond)
In 2025, the organization rebranded as SWFL Tech to reflect a modern, forward-looking role as the connector of the Gulf Coast’s technology ecosystem. Building on its history of collaboration, SWFL Tech continues to unite innovators, educators, and employers to advance technological excellence and economic prosperity.
leadership through the years
Since its founding in 2008, SWFL Tech—formerly known as the Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership—has benefited from the leadership and service of dedicated volunteers committed to strengthening Southwest Florida’s technology community.
- 2026 – Current: Laura Schmidt, President & Board Chair; Debbie Peterson, Secretary; Ken Goldman, Treasurer & Finance Chair
- 2025: Laura Schmidt, President & Board Chair; Debbie Peterson, Secretary; Edward Fritz, Treasurer
- 2024: Wendi Fowler, President; Colleen Joregensen, Vice President; Debbie Peterson, Secretary; Edward Fritz, Treasurer
- 2023: Wendi Fowler, President; Colleen Joregensen, Vice President; Terry Dirr, Secretary; Edward Fritz, Treasurer
- 2022: Wendi Fowler, President; Colleen Joregensen, Vice President; Terry Dirr, Secretary; Edward Fritz, Treasurer
- 2021: Alex Allen, President; Wendi Fowler, Vice President / President; Terry Dirr, Secretary; Peg Elmore, Treasurer
- 2020: Alex Allen, President; Wendi Fowler, Vice President; Terry Dirr, Secretary; Peg Elmore, Treasurer
- 2019: John LaFreniere, President; Linda Lyding, Vice President; Tracey Lanham, Secretary; Kevin Barnhill, Treasurer
- 2018: John LaFreniere, President; Linda Lyding, Vice President; Tracey Lanham, Secretary; Kevin Barnhill, Treasurer
- 2017: John LaFreniere, President; Tracey Lanham, Secretary; Kevin Barnhill, Treasurer
- 2016: Marc Farron, President; Sandra Donatelli, Secretary; Brian Abernathy, Treasurer
- 2015: Marc Farron, President; Sandra Donatelli, Secretary; Lynn Fetterman, Treasurer
- 2014: Marc Farron, President; Buddy Martin, Secretary; Kim Brown, Treasurer
- 2013: Brooke Gabrielsen, President; Marc Farron, Secretary; Kim Brown, Treasurer
- 2012: Brooke Gabrielsen, President; Marc Farron, Secretary; Kim Brown, Treasurer
- 2011: Brooke Joseph, President; Mike Jackson, Vice President; Marc Farron, Secretary; Randy Mitchelson, Treasurer
- 2010: Lee Paul, President; Bruce Prezzavento, Secretary; Randy Mitchelson, Treasurer
- 2009: Kevin Barnhill, President; Bruce Prezzavento, Secretary; Randy Mitchelson, Treasurer
- 2008: Kevin Barnhill, Board Chair; Bruce Prezzavento, Secretary; Randy Mitchelson, Treasurer
