The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) is proud to announce the appointment of Allison Beeman as its new President, effective July 2026. Chosen after an extensive search by the WHEDC Executive Committee, Beeman will step into the role to guide the city through its next era of economic growth and strategic evolution.
A Smooth Transition and a Legacy of Leadership
The appointment of Beeman marks the beginning of a dynamic new chapter for the organization following the retirement of outgoing President Bruce Lyon, who announced in March his transition into private consulting after 13 years of dedicated service to the community. Lyon’s tenure firmly established Winter Haven as a major competitive player in Central Florida.
Deep Local Roots and Proven Private-Sector Grit
Beeman, a Winter Haven native, brings more than two decades of leadership experience bridging public-sector economic development and private-sector corporate operations. She began her career with the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC) before rising to become the President of the Haines City Economic Development Council in 2011.
Most recently, Beeman served as District Manager for CEMEX in Polk County, where she directed sales and operations, negotiated high-value contracts, and managed large-scale infrastructure and commercial development projects. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Public Relations) from Florida Southern College and has maintained deep ties to the regional business landscape through her involvement in various regional and local civic boards and chambers of commerce.
“Allison brings a unique blend of relationship capital, private-sector corporate experience, and an understanding of development pipelines,” said Alex Nikdel, Chair of WHEDC’s Selection Committee and Board Treasurer. “The search committee was impressed by her executive readiness, her local knowledge, and her immediate vision for building local, regional and statewide partnerships. She will be ready to step in on day one and drive our mission forward.”
Navigating an Evolving Economic Landscape
Beeman takes the reins at a time when Winter Haven’s economic development priorities are shifting. While pioneering industrial projects like the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC) continue to serve as major economic anchors, the community is rapidly transitioning toward a dual focus on heavy corridor growth and micro-level urban redevelopment.
Under Beeman’s leadership, one of the WHEDC’s immediate priorities will be to refresh the organization’s comprehensive 5-Year Strategic Economic Development Plan. This plan will focus heavily on:
- Commercial & Industrial Corridors: Maximizing strategic growth along key corridors, including SR60, US27, US17, and surrounding airports and rail terminals.
- Urban Infill & Redevelopment: Actively partnering with the city and Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) to convert real estate along major corridors and in the downtown core to thriving business assets.
- Regional Collaboration: Strengthening critical public-private partnerships with the city, county, CFDC, local chambers, and our local educational institutions.
“Winter Haven is my home, and returning to economic development to serve this community is an incredible privilege,” said Allison Beeman. “The economic landscape here is ripe with opportunity. By keeping our strategic focus directly on high-wage job creation, commercial-industrial expansion, and actionable downtown revitalization, we can ensure Winter Haven remains a premier economic hub while preserving the high quality of life that makes it so special.”
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About the Winter Haven Economic Development Council
The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to creating a globally competitive economic climate in Winter Haven, Florida. By fostering business recruitment, retention, and expansion, the WHEDC works to catalyze high-wage job growth, diversify the local tax base, and enhance the overall prosperity of the Winter Haven community. For more information, visit whedc.com.
