The James B. Greene Awards honor individuals who have exhibited community leadership that contributes to the Orlando region’s growth, quality of life and economic well-being.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) announces the much-anticipated Annual Dinner featuring the James B. Greene award on January 17, 2024, at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Addition Financial Arena. This prestigious event will showcase the region’s transformation, leadership, and vision, bringing together top business, elected leaders, and community influencers.
Beyond recognizing the region’s achievements and economic impact, the highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the James B. Greene Award, a distinguished honor recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding community leadership, contributing significantly to the growth, quality of life, and economic well-being of the Orlando region.
The OEP is proud to announce that Thomas K. Sittema, partner at StepStone and co-founder of StepStone Private Wealth, as the honoree of the 2024 James B. Greene Award. Sittema’s is a proven leader with more than three decades of experience in private markets and finance.
Tim Giuliani, President, and CEO of the OEP, expressed his admiration for Sittema’s exceptional contributions.
Tom’s influential leadership has left a lasting impact on our region by advancing Broad-based Prosperity®. He was an instrumental Board Chair of the Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) and helped chair the transition team to merge the EDC with the Central Florida Partnership to form the Orlando Economic Partnership. We proudly recognize Tom’s exceptional leadership in the Orlando region, contributing significantly to our community’s growth, quality of life, and economic well-being.
Tim Giuliani, President, and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership
Sittema’s impact extends beyond the financial realm, with over 10 years of pivotal contributions as the co-founder and chairman of Lift Orlando. This transformative organization collaborates with business leaders to uplift families through initiatives in education, health, wellness, and economic development.
In his position as executive chairman he leads the executive leadership team on strategic initiatives and oversees the investment activities for StepStone’s Private Wealth team which seeks to convert the private markets advantages enjoyed by large institutional investors into opportunities for individual investors.
Prior to joining StepStone, Mr. Sittema served as the CEO of CNL Financial Group, a $10 billion asset manager providing access for individual investors to the private markets. Mr. Sittema held a variety of leadership roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch/Bank of America over a 27-year career, including the U.S. Head of Real Estate Investment Trusts and Lodging Investment Banking.
Mr. Sittema received his BA from Dordt University and his MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He is the co-founder and board chair of LIFT Orlando, an organization established to break the cycle of generational concentrated poverty in Central Florida. Mr. Sittema serves on numerous Boards and is Past Chair of The Economic Development Commission of Central Florida, United Way of Central Florida, Florida Citrus Sports and has received several economic development and civic awards, including Central Florida Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
Join the OEP in celebrating Sittema’s exceptional contributions at the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Annual Dinner. Register before January 10, 2024, to secure your place at this remarkable event.
For more information and registration, click here.
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For media inquiries contact Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio |jennifer.marcial@orlando.org| 407-902-0221
About the Orlando Economic Partnership
The Orlando Economic Partnership (the OEP) is the Orlando region’s economic and community development organization that is seizing the moment to advance Broad-based Prosperity® by growing the diversity of the economy and driving investment into the region. The Partnership catalyzes the collaborative ethos of the region to fuel regional leadership and improve the region’s competitiveness. Learn why opportunity in Orlando is Unbelievably Real™ at InvestOrlando.org.
