Leadership Change at Florida PACE Funding Agency as Mike Moran Departs for Sarasota County Role

The Florida PACE Funding Agency (FPFA) is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Executive Director Mike Moran steps down following his election as Tax Collector in Sarasota County, Florida. The agency's Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Wendi Leach, the current Director of Operations, as the new Executive Director, ensuring continuity in the agency's mission to provide sustainable financing solutions for Florida residents.

Moran's departure comes after a successful tenure that began in 2019. Under his leadership, FPFA experienced remarkable growth, funding over 29,000 hurricane-hardening and energy efficiency projects totaling more than $900 million. These projects have included critical home improvements such as roofing, window and door replacements, air conditioning systems, and generator installations, significantly enhancing the resilience and energy efficiency of Florida homes.

The transition in leadership highlights the importance of FPFA's work in Florida's housing and environmental landscape. As climate change concerns grow and the state continues to face the threat of hurricanes, the agency's role in facilitating home improvements that enhance energy efficiency and storm resilience becomes increasingly critical. The substantial investment in these projects under Moran's leadership demonstrates the growing demand for such improvements and the agency's capacity to meet this need.

Moran's move to the position of Sarasota County Tax Collector also underscores the interconnectedness of public service roles in Florida. His experience at FPFA, dealing with property-related financing, is likely to inform his approach to his new role, potentially bringing innovative perspectives to county tax collection practices.

The appointment of Wendi Leach as the new Executive Director signals the agency's commitment to maintaining its momentum. Leach's extensive experience and deep understanding of the agency's operations position her well to continue FPFA's mission. Her leadership will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of sustainable home improvements and financing in Florida.

This leadership change comes at a time when the importance of resilient and energy-efficient housing is at the forefront of both environmental and economic discussions. The FPFA's work intersects with several key issues facing Florida, including climate resilience, energy conservation, and affordable housing improvements. As such, the agency's future direction under Leach's leadership will be closely watched by policymakers, environmentalists, and homeowners alike.

The success of FPFA under Moran's leadership, funding nearly a billion dollars in home improvements, demonstrates the significant demand for accessible financing options for these crucial projects. This demand is likely to continue growing as awareness of climate change impacts increases and as more homeowners seek to improve their property's resilience and efficiency.

As FPFA enters this new chapter, the agency's ability to adapt to changing needs while continuing to provide vital financial support for home improvements will be crucial. The transition also highlights the broader importance of public-private partnerships in addressing complex challenges such as climate resilience and energy efficiency in residential properties.

The leadership change at FPFA represents more than just an administrative shift; it reflects the evolving landscape of sustainable home financing and the growing recognition of the importance of resilient, energy-efficient housing in Florida. As Leach takes the helm, the agency's future initiatives and their impact on Florida's housing market and environmental goals will be of significant interest to stakeholders across the state.