The Ocala Metro is growing but how it is growing may surprise you. Hear from the CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), the entity charged with driving our growth, what is really happening in our community, what it means, and what is in store for the future.Heather Shubirg is a seasoned economic development professional currently serving as the Chief Growth Officer at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP). In this role, she leads initiatives to attract and retain businesses in the Ocala region, fostering job creation and economic growth.
Prior to joining the CEP in April 2022, Shubirg was the Executive Vice President of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, where she focused on strategic economic development activities and business recruitment initiatives for Volusia County, Florida. Her earlier roles include serving as Senior Director of Business Development in the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology sectors at the Orlando Economic Partnership and as Vice President of Business Development at Enterprise Florida, the state's primary economic development organization.
In recognition of her expertise, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Shubirg to the Board of Directors of the Florida Development Finance Corporation (FDFC) in May 2021, where she served a one-year term. The FDFC assists businesses and organizations in accessing capital to promote economic development across Florida.
Shubirg holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from the University of Central Florida. She also earned the Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) Certification through the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Shubirg is actively involved in community organizations. She serves on the boards of the United Way of Volusia-Flagler and the SMA Healthcare Foundation. Originally from Attica, New York, she now resides in Ocala, Florida, with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs.
In addition to her role at the CEP, Shubirg contributes to the broader economic development community as the Vice Co-Chair of Professional Development for the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC).
