Cable-Tec Expo 2019

Alison Barlow
Executive Director
St. Petersburg Innovation District


Alison Barlow is the Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District. The District brings together regional expertise in healthcare, marine science, education, and art to form unique collaborations that address community issues and grow the economic vibrancy of St. Petersburg. District activities include awareness building (Innovation in the ‘Burg podcast), placemaking, businesses recruitment, and entrepreneurial incubation. The Innovation District also acts as the lead convener for the city’s smart community projects. Alison grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. She received a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Administration from Florida State University, and a Master of Business Administration from American University in Washington D.C. For 17 years, she was a business and technology consultant based in Washington DC. Alison advised leaders, often in the Department of Defense, on strategic planning, process improvement and technology. Her love of watersports and desire for a lifestyle that did not require a frequent flyer membership led Alison to relocate back to St. Petersburg. Upon her return, Alison was the operations manager of Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College before joining the Innovation District in 2017.

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