‹ Back to Light Flashes

Scarlett Phaneuf recently joined PowerSouth’s economic development staff as Economic Development Representative for Florida.

Phaneuf works with West Florida Electric Cooperative and three other distribution members in the Florida Panhandle, as well as state and local agencies, to recruit new companies and works with existing industry to facilitate business and economic growth in the region. Her responsibilities also include targeting specific business sectors to market PowerSouth’s 10-county Florida service territory both nationally and internationally.

“My major goal is to help improve the quality of life in Northwest Florida by working to add good jobs and industry to our local economy. What our rural areas need most is a variety of quality jobs in different industries to generate more income for our residents and create opportunities to retain our young people,” said Phaneuf.

Before joining the PowerSouth staff, Phaneuf served as Vice President of the Bay Economic Development Alliance and is the former Executive Director of the Walton County Economic Development Alliance. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Florida. She said that, because of this background, she enjoys helping relocating and expanding companies with their unique facility needs.

Last year, she was recognized with the Dan Webster Young Innovator Award from the Florida High Tech Corridor in partnership with the Florida Economic Development Council. In January, she was recognized by Developers Counsellors International as a member of its “40 under 40” Class of 2017.

A northwest Florida native, Phaneuf is passionate about the region. She will be integrally involved with partner organizations like Florida’s Great Northwest in helping move the area forward through economic diversification and job creation.

"Having been born and raised in the panhandle, it is such an honor to work with others to help shape the way our area grows. It’s important that we preserve what makes our area unique while enhancing and
growing our economy,” said Phaneuf.

Along with her husband, Matt, she has a two-year-old daughter named Lily and lives in Freeport, Florida.