About

Danita Andrews, Chief Business Development Officer

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance

Danita Andrews is an experienced economic development professional with over 25 years of service in Florida, currently serving as the Chief Business Development Officer with FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance. In this role, she leads the organization’s comprehensive business development strategy to attract and retain high-impact businesses in the Greater Pensacola and Escambia County region. 

Danita has a key role in driving growth and expansion within target industry sectors including Headquarters, Aviation-Aerospace, Information Technology and Marine Technology companies with emphasis on Advanced Manufacturing.  Her leadership encompasses strategic client outreach, client engagement, partner collaboration and complex project management including foreign direct investment.  Danita also serves as Administrator for the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission, Foreign Trade Zone #249.

Throughout her career, Danita has been a tireless advocate for strengthening the region’s economy and elevating the role of economic development in the community. She fosters strong relationships with business and industry leaders, elected officials, site selectors, commercial developers, real estate professionals, financial institutions, and workforce and education partners.

Her community service includes board positions with the Pensacola Propeller Club (Bay Area Port of Historic Pensacola) and the Century Chamber of Commerce. She is also a proud graduate of Leadership Pensacola, Class of 2017 and active in the alumni association.

Danita holds an Associate of Science degree in Information and Computer Science from the University of Hawaii. She is a graduate of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program, earning the Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) credential, and completed the Economic Development Institute (EDI) through the University of Oklahoma. She continues ongoing professional development with the International Economic Development Council.

Originally from Central Louisiana, Danita and her husband, Bill, have lived in coastal communities throughout California, Hawaii, and Florida—and proudly call Pensacola home. They enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.