June 18, 2025
Seasoned Public Servant and Business Leader Leaves Behind a Strong Foundation for Hardee County’s Future
Wauchula, FL — The Development Group (TDG) Chief Executive Officer Denise Grimsley announced at their June Board Meeting on the 12th that she will step down from her role as CEO effective October 3, 2025, following three years of transformative leadership in Hardee County.
A transition plan is in place, and Grimsley will remain onboard as a consultant through April 2026 to ensure continuity and provide strategic support during the upcoming legislative session.
"I remain committed to thoughtful and collaborative transition, and look forward to supporting the success of my successor. The impact of this organization, I believe, in the future will be phenomenal. Thanks to each of you today for allowing me to serve as the CEO for the last three years."
Denise Grimsley, a fifth-generation Floridian and former state legislator, brought decades of experience in public policy, healthcare, and economic development to her role at TDG. Her tenure as CEO has marked a period of ambitious growth and strategic investment for Hardee County.
"It has been a distinct honor to serve in this role over the past three years. I'm deeply grateful for the trust this Board has placed in me, and the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team of professionals in the office, and also what we have found to be a very engaged community. As I reflect on my time here, I'm really proud of what we've all accomplished together."
A Legacy of Public Service and Local Impact
Before joining TDG in 2022, Grimsley served in the Florida Legislature from 2004 to 2018—first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate. She made history as the first and only woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee and held key leadership roles in health care, agriculture, and energy policy. She is widely regarded as a statewide expert in health care and was instrumental in the passage of nearly every major health care bill during her last eight years in office.
Her service continued as Vice President and Administrator at AdventHealth, where she led the Wauchula and Lake Placid campuses and helped expand access to health care across the Florida Heartland.
At The Development Group, Grimsley built on that foundation of service by delivering tangible, lasting progress to the community she has always called home. Under her leadership, TDG:
- Recruited major employers including Aloha Medical Services, Safegage, and Trussworks, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the area.
- Graduated nine cohorts through the Building a Vibrant Community initiative, fostering civic engagement and leadership.
- Secured over $11 million in grants to support infrastructure, workforce, and downtown revitalization.
- Played a key role in redeveloping properties like the Reif Building and launching small business success stories like Honey Bear Bake Company.
- Partnered closely with local, regional, and state leaders to strengthen the area’s reputation for innovation, collaboration, and community pride.
"Ms. Grimsley, thank you very much for your service as a member of the Board and then further as the CEO. It has been a joy to work with you. I have learned some things, and I appreciate that very much. I appreciate the vision that you've brought, the pivot that came to the Board, and actions that were taken with the community."
A formal search for TDG’s next CEO has begun, with the goal of selecting a candidate by August 2025. Grimsley will work with the Board and incoming CEO during the transition period to ensure continued momentum. Find out more about the CEO position here until June 30th.
About The Development Group
The Development Group (TDG) is the lead organization for economic development and strategic community investment in Hardee County, Florida. Through innovative partnerships, long-term planning, and grassroots engagement, TDG works to strengthen the regional economy and enhance quality of life for all residents.