The Florida PACE Funding Agency (FPFA) is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Executive Director Mike Moran steps down following his recent election victory as Tax Collector in Sarasota County, Florida. The announcement, made at a board meeting on December 10th, 2024, in Kissimmee, Florida, marks the end of Moran's impactful tenure with the agency since 2019. During Moran's leadership, FPFA experienced remarkable growth, funding over 29,000 hurricane-hardening and energy efficiency projects totaling more than $900 million. These projects included critical home improvements such as roofs, windows, doors, air conditioners, and generators, significantly enhancing the resilience and energy efficiency of Florida residences.
Moran expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Executive Director, stating, "Serving as the Executive Director of the Florida PACE Funding Agency has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career." He highlighted the agency's achievements in providing sustainable financing solutions for Florida residents, particularly in times when alternative options were limited. The FPFA Board of Directors unanimously appointed Wendi Leach, previously the Director of Operations, as the new Executive Director. This decision underscores the agency's commitment to continuity and experienced leadership. Mike Steigerwald, Chair of the FPFA Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Leach's ability to drive the agency's mission forward, citing her instrumental role in FPFA's success and her deep understanding of the organization's goals.
This leadership change comes at a crucial time for Florida's homeowners, as the need for hurricane-resistant and energy-efficient home improvements continues to grow. The FPFA's role in providing financing options through long-term, fixed-rate assessments added to property tax bills has been pivotal in enabling homeowners to enhance their properties' safety, value, and energy efficiency. The impact of FPFA's work extends beyond individual homeowners to the broader community and environment. By facilitating improvements that increase energy efficiency and storm resilience, the agency contributes to reducing energy consumption and mitigating potential damage from severe weather events, which are increasingly common in Florida.
As Moran transitions to his new role as Sarasota County Tax Collector, his experience with FPFA is likely to inform his approach to public service, potentially bringing valuable insights into financial management and community development to his new position. The appointment of Wendi Leach as the new Executive Director signals a commitment to building on the agency's successes while potentially bringing fresh perspectives to its operations. Her extensive experience within the organization positions her well to navigate the complex landscape of public financing and energy efficiency initiatives. This transition at FPFA comes at a time when climate resilience and energy efficiency are increasingly at the forefront of public policy discussions. The agency's work in facilitating home improvements that address these concerns underscores the important role that public-private partnerships can play in advancing sustainable development goals.
As the Florida PACE Funding Agency enters this new chapter, its continued success will be crucial for Florida homeowners seeking to improve their properties and for the state's broader efforts to enhance resilience against natural disasters and promote energy conservation. The leadership change represents not just a transition within the agency, but an opportunity to further expand its impact on Florida's communities and environment. The agency's financing model, detailed at https://www.floridapace.gov, has proven effective in addressing critical infrastructure needs across the state, particularly as climate-related challenges intensify.
