PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Economic Development Council has awarded Bill Cronin the Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year award for his work over the past 30 years.
Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, described the award as an incredible honor.
“While this award may have my name on it, I see it as a reflection of the extraordinary team we have at the Pasco Economic Development Council,” Cronin said. “Their talent, commitment and passion for making a difference in our community are behind everything we accomplish.”
Cronin has a long career in economic development spanning over 30 years in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
He worked 10 years with Enterprise Florida, now FloridaCommerce, specializing in international trade and business development.
Since he began leading the Pasco EDC in 2016, the organization has assisted companies through business expansions and relocations resulting in more than $1.8 billion in capital investment and 11,600 new jobs.
Under Cronin’s leadership, the Pasco EDC has been recognized as one of 92 economic development organizations accredited by the International Economic Development Council.
Beth Cicchetti, executive director of the Florida Economic Development Council, said the award recognizes people whose careers have shaped Florida’s economic future through leadership, innovation and service – qualities Cronin embodies.
“His ability to build partnerships, inspire collaboration and deliver transformative results has strengthened not only Pasco County but the entire economic development profession in Florida,” Cicchetti said. “Bill’s leadership has left an enduring legacy, and we are proud to honor him as the 2026 recipient of this distinguished award.”
Recent winners
The award was first given in 1985 and was renamed in 1991 to honor Eunice Sullivan for her dedication and commitment to the economic development profession and the Florida Economic Development Council.
Cronin joins other economic development leaders who have also received the award, including:
- 2025 Keith Norden, Team Volusia
- 2024 Jeff Hendry, North Florida Economic Development Partnership
- 2023 Suzanne Christman, CEcD, MEDP, Pinellas County Economic Development
- 2022 Kelly Smallridge, BDB of Palm Beach County
- 2021 Marc Hoenstine, CEcD, Duke Energy
- 2019 Crystal Stiles, Florida Power & Light
- 2018 Cathy Chambers, JAXUSA Partnership
- 2017 Crystal Sircy, Orlando Economic Partnership
- 2016 Bob Swindell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
- 2015 Allen Cherry, Madison County Economic Development
“I am also deeply humbled to join the distinguished list of past Eunice Sullivan Award recipients – economic development professionals whom I have respected and admired throughout my career,” Cronin said. “To now have my name among theirs is truly one of the great honors of my professional journey.”
