(October 2, 2024) TAMPA, Fla. – The transformative power of education meets the ingenuity of business as CEOs in Schools returns for its sixth year, offering Tampa Bay area executives a rare, immersive experience inside public schools. On Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, over 150 business leaders will spend the day alongside school principals, teachers, and students, sharing their knowledge while gaining firsthand insights into the critical work of shaping future leaders.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), Vistra Communications (Vistra), and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). The program goes beyond a simple volunteer day—it is designed to spark lasting partnerships that drive innovation in education and create pathways for students to thrive academically and personally. By placing CEOs directly in the classroom, this unique experience helps bridge the gap between the corporate sector and the education system.
“CEOs in Schools exemplifies the power of collaboration between business and education,” said Anna Corman, President and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “When CEOs and educators come together, they share valuable insights, forge lasting partnerships, and create new opportunities for student success. This program is about more than just a one-day experience—it’s about fostering relationships that will continue to benefit our schools, students, and community. We are excited to witness the collective impact of this year’s participants as they help shape the future of education in Hillsborough County.”
Founded by Brian Butler, President and CEO of Vistra, in 2019, CEOs in Schools has grown from a grassroots initiative into a dynamic, community-wide movement. Executives from a diverse range of industries are stepping up to share their skills while learning about the challenges and opportunities within the public school system. This mutual exchange fosters impactful relationships that continue long after the one-day event, driving progress in both education and business.
“Joining CEOs in Schools is an opportunity for local leaders to make a lasting impact on our community,” said Brian Butler. “By sharing your expertise and resources, you can help shape the future of our students and create stronger connections between business and education. Together, we can empower the next generation and drive meaningful change in Tampa Bay.”
As Superintendent Van Ayres and HCPS continue to navigate the complexities of modern education, the support of the business community remains invaluable. The CEOs in Schools program plays a pivotal role in bringing together leaders from both sectors to share perspectives, find common ground, and develop strategies that benefit students, schools, and the larger community.
“I look forward to this initiative every year as it is truly a testament to our shared commitment to nurturing young minds and preparing them for life. We’re excited to welcome these CEOs and executives back to our schools and witness the positive influence they bring,” said Superintendent Van Ayres.
Business leaders interested in participating can reserve a school by visiting CEOsinSchools.com, but spots are filling fast. With returning participants eager to make an impact again this year, fewer than 70 schools across the county remain available.
For media inquiries, interviews with participating CEOs and principals can be arranged to discuss the lasting impact of their partnerships and the insights gained from their involvement in the CEOs in Schools initiative.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Orientation Happy Hour: Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at Hillsborough Education Foundation, 2306 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33607. New participants are invited to learn more about the program and this year’s event.
CEOs in Schools: Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at public elementary schools across Hillsborough County. Media opportunities will be available at select schools. Please let us know in advance if you are interested in visiting a specific school.
Learn more about CEOs In Schools by visiting CEOsinSchools.com.
About Hillsborough Education Foundation
Every child deserves access to the best possible education — and the teachers, tools and trusted mentors they need to succeed. But today, this fundamental right remains out of reach for too many young people in our community. Hillsborough Education Foundation works to ensure every student in Hillsborough County receives an outstanding public education that equips them for a fulfilling future. By unlocking opportunities for students, investing in teachers, and strengthening public schools, we’ll make Hillsborough County Public Schools one of the best places to learn and teach, where 100% of students graduate with the ability to pursue anything they can dream. Learn more and join us at EducationFoundation.com.
About Vistra Communications
Founded in 2007, Vistra Communications, LLC (Vistra) is an award-winning, integrated marketing, communications, and consulting agency providing services to corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations. Our mission is to help our clients reach their goals. With a team of approximately 80 professionals, we provide a broad range of customized solutions to our clients. Vistra is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Lutz, Florida, with a second office in the Washington, D.C. area. For more information, visit ConsultVistra.com.
About Hillsborough County Public Schools
Hillsborough County Public Schools, located in Tampa, Florida, is a leading educational institution dedicated to “Preparing Students for Life.” The district is the seventh-largest in the nation and the third-largest in Florida. We proudly educate over 220,000 students, employ 24,000 individuals, and offer our families innovative and nationally recognized programs at 250-plus public schools. HCPS ranks 19th in the state for academics and led the nation in the 2022 NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores for 4th Grade Reading and 4th Grade Math.
For more information visit hillsboroughschools.org, and follow @HillsboroughSch on all social platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Contacts:
- Debra Bellanti
- Hillsborough County Public Schools
- Director, Communications
- Office: 813-272-4060
- debra.bellanti@hcps.net
- Colin Higgins
- Hillsborough Education Foundation
- Director of Communications
- 813-525-0522
- chiggins@educationfoundation.com
