In her new role, Fowler will lead regional innovation initiatives, strengthen partnerships with industry and community stakeholders, support entrepreneurs and high‑growth companies, and align innovation activity with the region’s broader economic development priorities.
The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) today announced that Sheena Fowler will rejoin the organization as Vice President of Innovation, effective Monday, March 9.
Fowler most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Innovate Orlando and brings more than 15 years of leadership across Orlando’s technology and innovation ecosystem. She previously served as Orlando Film Commissioner at the OEP and held leadership roles in economic development and tech and innovation.
In her new role, Fowler will lead regional innovation initiatives, strengthen partnerships with industry and community stakeholders, support entrepreneurs and high‑growth companies, and align innovation activity with the region’s broader economic development priorities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sheena back to the OEP,” said Tim Giuliani, president and CEO.
“Her deep experience, trusted relationships, and vision for Orlando’s innovation economy will accelerate our collective work to position the region as a leading global hub for technology and next‑generation industries.”
Tim Giuliani, OEP President & CEO
Innovate Orlando will transition its mission and programs back under the OEP’s umbrella, strengthening regional alignment around the Orlando 2045 vision and the goal of positioning Orlando as a top 10 innovation hub. Those programs include Tech Connect, the Orlando Tech Summit & Community Awards, and the Orlando Tech Grant.
The transition follows a request from the City of Orlando and corporate stakeholders to consolidate innovation efforts for greater scale, coordination, and long‑term impact. The Innovate Orlando board officially voted to sunset the organization and transition its core work to the OEP, aligning with shared financial stakeholders and the region’s unified future vision.
The Vice President of Innovation role is supported through a unique public‑private partnership of stakeholders who previously invested in Innovate Orlando and remain committed to advancing this work within a larger regional platform.
“The mission remains the same,” said Fowler.
“We are still focused on growing Orlando’s tech and innovation community, closing the regional procurement gap, and sharing a more accurate, compelling story about our region.”
Sheena Fowler, OEP Vice President, Innovation
“What changes is the platform behind the work, bringing it into a larger system that convenes government, industry, academia, and community partners that will ultimately provide greater reach, resources, and opportunity to turn ideas into measurable outcomes,” Fowler said.
With this transition, Innovate Orlando’s work and the community’s investment will not only be preserved but scaled. By integrating into the OEP, these efforts gain the infrastructure and regional coordination needed to accelerate Orlando’s innovation agenda and advance the Orlando 2045 vision.
