Bob was appointed to the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority in 2005 by the Broward County Commission; he went on to serve with distinction for eighteen years, including twice as chairman, and retiring in 2023. Bob guided the Research Park at FAU through some of its most formative years. The successful community of innovation at the Park today, is thanks to the foundation laid and direction set by Bob.
Bob is a very humble leader, someone who empowers others to achieve and grow. For Bob, that approach is indispensable to the creation of a sustainable, robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region.Â
Bob was appointed president & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in 2009 where he has since led the strengthening of Broward County’s economy and become a universally respected servant leader and authority across industries.
A lifelong Broward resident, Bob Swindell has served in several business and community leadership roles, including leading the American Red Cross during and after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Since that time, he has been appointed to many statewide roles by governors Martinez, Chiles, Bush, and Scott. Some of Bob’s greatest roles are unofficial: almost every leader in Broward County, and several beyond, rely on Bob’s counsel and relationships to make business better in South Florida.Â
Bob has done more for the economic development of Florida than any one individual. Bob’s work and its accomplishments are many and it is indisputable that his service is distinguished.