Staff Highlights

Chris Leggett joined the Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO) in September 2018. As Program Manager, Chris leads the CFITO efforts to help businesses in Central Florida take advantage of the opportunities available from importing and exporting. He raises awareness of the benefits of trade and improves trade literacy by offering educational seminars; promotes networking with incoming foreign trade delegations; and helps direct local business leaders to the programs and resources available to assist them in accessing the global marketplace.

Prior to joining the CFITO, Chris spent over ten years representing the interests of exporters in the Canadian Embassies in Washington, DC, and Brussels, Belgium (Mission to the European Union), with a focus on reducing unfair and unnecessarily burdensome trade barriers to agri-food exports. Chris began his career in Ottawa with the Government of Canada working in the fisheries, food and agriculture sectors. 

Jerry was instrumental in the creation of the Central Florida International Trade Office, which began as a program of the National Entrepreneur Center in 2014.

Jerry continues to be involved in strategic planning for the CFITO, and works closely with Chris Leggett who manages the day-to-day operations. 

Jerry is a life-long entrepreneur who has held leadership positions with AT&T, Ohio Bell, and Goal Systems Software. Since 1989, he has been an active entrepreneur in Orlando, launching business ventures such as Sky-Tracker Florida, Semco Properties, and Maverick Business Magazine. 

In 2007, Jerry was selected to become President of the National Entrepreneur Center. He is a nationally recognized speaker on small business topics, and currently serves as a member of Florida’s District Export Council, and Orlando’s Minority Enterprise Business Assistance Board.

The Orlando Business Journal has called Jerry a “virtual business incubator” and one of Central Florida’s “Top 10 to Watch,” for his advocacy and support of small businesses.