Pasco EDC Honors Michael J. Sierra With 2026 Leadership Award

The Pasco EDC will honor Sierra at the 38th Annual Awards on October 1, 2026

September 24, 2026 michele525 BUSINESS, BUSINESS BRIEFS, BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 0

Media Release | September 22, 2026
Pasco Economic Development Council

PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (September 22, 2026) — Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is hosting the 38th Annual Awards on October 1, 2026. This year, the Pasco EDC Policy Council has selected Mr. Michael J. Sierra as the 2026 Leadership Award recipient. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual in economic development who has had a remarkable impact on Pasco County and our community.

Michael J. Sierra is a Tampa native and graduate of Berkeley Preparatory School. After attending Florida State University, Sierra began his career in the insurance industry as an account executive before joining the Jack Nicklaus Development Corporation in 1985 as a construction manager. He has worked in land development ever since, building more than three decades of experience on projects throughout Florida and across the country. Among his most notable work is Cypress Creek Town Center in Pasco County, a major development that has helped shape the county’s growth and commercial landscape. Sierra has also been involved with prominent Tampa Bay-area developments including Avila, Tampa Palms and Lakeview Village, as well as projects in Illinois and Georgia. Throughout his career, he has served on numerous property owner boards, often acting as a liaison between developers and property owners.

Sierra is a director of the Sierra Family Foundation, through which he has supported dozens of local and national nonprofit organizations, including the YMCA, Pasco Education Foundation, and local hospitals including AdventHealth and BayCare. He has also served as a board member of First Tee of Tampa Bay and Academy Prep Tampa. Sierra is the son of Mary and Bob Sierra, brother to Stuart and John “Hi” Sierra, and father of Michael Sierra Jr. Outside of his professional and philanthropic work, he enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Lolly and Chica.

“It is an honor to recognize Michael Sierra as this year’s recipient of the Pasco EDC Leadership Award,” said Bill Cronin, President/CEO of Pasco EDC. “Michael’s decades of experience in land development, including his significant contributions to Cypress Creek Town Center and the growth of Pasco County, have made a lasting impact on our community. His leadership extends well beyond his professional accomplishments through his commitment to supporting local organizations, education and initiatives that strengthen the communities he serves.”

A video tribute will be shown during the awards program on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center. If you would like to attend, reserve your spot now, registration closes soon, event webpage can be found here.