Ocea Wynn’s ascension into c-suite leadership cannot be fully appreciated unless her educational and career journeys are fully understood. Growing up in a family of nine siblings in one of the poorest counties in Florida, her parents stressed the importance of education and entrepreneurship to each child.
Pursuing a male-dominated career discipline was innate to her. As a child, she worked with her dad, the only licensed black electrician in her rural home county, to learn about the electrical trade. Soon, her interest was piqued from ‘how’ to make a repair to understanding the ‘why’ of fixing programs for sustainable solutions. This growth mindset launched her pursuit into the study of electrical engineering, which quickly unraveled into a career in leadership.
Because of her work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to public service with a can-do spirit and attitude, Wynn was promoted in 2020 by Mayor Castor to a c-suite level of leadership, as administrator of neighborhood and community affairs which includes the following operations: parks & recreation, neighborhood enhancement/code enforcement/business tax, equal business opportunity, customer experience, arts & cultural affairs, community engagement & partnerships, workforce development and the office of human rights.
She directs over 800 employees within her portfolio and oversees over $50 million operating and $60 million capital budgets while delivering the highest quality services to the community.
Wynn is an emerging leader in the field of professional public management in local government and has successfully completed and graduated from numerous career leadership development programs such as Leadership Tampa, Professional Development Academy high-performance leadership program, Harvard Kennedy School implementing public policy, FSU’s certified public manager (CPM) program, and Gettysburg Leadership Program. Wynn was awarded the 2021-2022 Tampa Bay business woman of the year and received the 2024 Josephine Howard Stafford memorial award.
As a leader, Wynn emphasizes the importance of authenticity. “In today’s global society, where information is readily available, leaders must avoid creating personal ‘plastic’ images that can be molded into something insincere – this inauthenticity is damaging,” she said. “Leaders with integrity emphasize character development over personal image. By consistently keeping their word, practicing what they preach, and building others up through correction, leaders create a space where others want to follow.”
As an early engineering student, Wynn was honored to meet Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut, who said, ‘Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.’ “Over the years, this quote has reminded me that I can weigh the risks, push the limits and achieve the unthinkable when faced with challenges,” she said. It also helps that I have a solid support team with family and friends.”
